Chief Scientist

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. Will the government employ a replacement Chief Scientist and, if so, when? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PATTERSON: On 25 August, South Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Caroline McMillen AO, stepped down from her role.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (14:43): Thank you for the explanation as well as the question. Yes, Professor Caroline McMillen has stepped down. She has returned to Melbourne for various personal reasons, and I wish her very well. She was an excellent Chief Scientist. I picked up my relationship with her again, having worked with her at the University of Adelaide many years ago.

We are in active pursuit at present for a Chief Scientist. There will certainly always be a South Australian Chief Scientist. We are just going through the process of identifying the qualities and disciplines that we are most interested in and then seeking interest.