This is the media release for our forums on science in politics. You can read more information about the forums, or read about my motivation for creating a new policy on science and technology.
The Australian Democrats are forming a new policy on science and technology, and are seeking input from any and all interested parties. This includes scientists, engineers, business owners, policy makers and anyone else who would like to see public policy informed by, and support, science and technology.
The forums will be run by Jason Heeris (BSc Hons, BEng Hons UWA), the WA President of the Australian Democrats and the National Policy Coordinator for Science and Technology. He has worked in government research, private industry and science communication, and would like to see science play a greater role in Australian politics and business.
Mr Heeris says, “There are serious problems with the relationship between science and politics in Australia. Research is subject to excessive political control and funding is held to ransom. Businesses that try to capitalise on Australian-grown ideas face an uncertain future and see almost no support. Policy is made by politicians with little or no regard to evidence, and technology is regulated by people who repeatedly demonstrate that they do not understand it.
“Scientists all over Australia feel completely disconnected from the political process and are highly sceptical that this will ever change. We want to change that, and offer them an opportunity to get involved and have their say,” Mr Heeris concluded.
The first forum will be held at 7pm, Wednesday October 19th 2011, in Arts Lecture Room 6 at the University of Western Australia’s Crawley campus.
