Elizabeth Elenius, Manager, Communications, Australian Photonics CRC
I was fortunate to represent Wisenet at the very successful Science meets Parliament Day event organised by FASTS on 23-24 November, 1999. This two-day event provided an opportunity to explore key science and technology issues; learn lobbying and communication techniques from experts in the field (both lobbyists and those they try to influence); to meet old friends from the science community; and to rub shoulders with parliamentarians – those with the ultimate responsibility for science policy.
On the first day, held in the National Press Club, discussion centred on the major issue identified by FASTS that was to be the focus of our meetings with the politicians:
support for science and technology is an investment in the nation’s social and economic well-being, not a drain on the public purse.
Five key issues were also identified and discussed:
Lobbying strategies and science issues were explored by Senators Natasha Stott-Despoija (AD) and Jeanie Ferris (Lib), Mr Martyn Evans (Lab), David Kindon, Client Solutions (a professional lobbyist), Carolyn Walsh, General Manager, Science & Technology Policy Branch of DISR, Mr Keiran Schneeman, Chief of Staff, Senator Nick Minchin’s office, Dr Robin Batterham, Chief Scientist, and last but by no means least, Julian Cribb, CSIRO, who inspired us all with his observations about the Canberra Press Gallery and its importance in reaching politicians.
The cocktail party at Parliament House was hosted by Senator Minchin who said a few words about the re-jigged Australia Prize (now the Prime Minister’s Science Prize) as well as two Young Scientist Awards. The President of the Senate, Margaret Reid, and the House of Representatives’ Speaker, Neil Andrews, gave their enthusiastic support for the event – and for science. It was a great opportunity to buttonhole the politicians who attended , as well as old friends.
The following day we all "stormed the citadel" to meet with the 138 politicians who had set aside time to meet with pairs of scientists to discuss science issues, particularly those affecting their electorates. I was able to spend half an hour with Judy Moylan, Member for Pearce, WA, who expressed interest in how our careers had progressed; global warming, particularly as it was affecting coral reefs; and support for protection of old growth forests.
Accompanied by another Western Australian, I also met with the Attorney-General, Darryl Williams, who wanted to know more about research infrastructure issues, in particular those relating to administration. We drew his attention to the strains being placed on libraries, the cost and difficulties associated with accessing scientific journals, copyright issues and the administrative costs of implementing the GST. We also provided examples of successful commercial development of research and quantitative evidence that investment in science reaps huge rewards in terms of employment and exports.
The whole event generated a great deal of publicity for science and science issues. It’s a long time since I have seen Science as the topic of the lead editorial in any major newspaper, let alone The Australian. FASTS is to be congratulated for conceiving and organising this major event. I hope that it becomes an annual feature in the parliamentary calendar.