Have we gone too far in politicising science and research?

Ed Husic:

I would like to think in an environment on the cusp of a Federal election, being politicised is going to come with the territory as well. I can’t avoid that.

What I would say is I think there are a lot of the elements of the Coalition – I haven’t been a fan of their treatment of science in times passed. I can only go by some of the things that have been said since. I think the fact they have main tanned a presence of science in their shadow cabinet is an important sign. We always want to work with them on these issues.

We have welcomed the fact that they have embraced some of the things we have done through the national science and research priorities. We will have differences of opinion on things. They have made the wrong call, they have focused on our investment in Psi Quantum and politicised that.

Long term, let’s see how it plays outside but I don’t think the mud they have thrown will stick and it will be an important investment in long term capability in this country, just like their investment in Moderna was. When it comes to science, there has been more to celebrate than to shake a fist at when it comes to this arena with respect to the intersection of politics and science. I hope that will be the case into the future because this is one realm where we don’t need the political fighting, we need to be all on board, recognising our people, Australian scientists and researchers, can do phenomenal things. If we back it, it will mean a great deal to our community but sustain the economy well into the future.”