Adelaide and Shanghai Jiao Tong Universities

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (15:34): I rise to speak about the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding between the University of Adelaide and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Last week I was invited to be part of a meeting between these two universities. It was a significant occasion and a valuable opportunity to meet with the delegation from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including Professor Dan Wu, Vice President of that university.

The University of Adelaide's Roseworthy and Waite campuses are two world-renowned research facilities in the agricultural science discipline. They incorporate other research centres, including SARDI and the CSIRO. Collectively, the campuses are home to some of the best academic and research expertise in resource management, agriculture, food and wine production, and nutrition.

In a demonstration of the quality of science programs at Adelaide University, I recently had the privilege of attending the science faculty graduation, and I was able to congratulate several hundred students on the completion of their degrees. Many of the students who achieved their research degrees highlighted the significant talent and high quality of research coming out of the University of Adelaide science faculty, particularly in the area of agricultural science. I would like to thank the university and, in particular, Leah, Director of Stakeholder Relations, for welcoming me to that ceremony.

Recently, I also had the honour of presenting the Lois Harris Scholarship to William Fairlie on behalf of the Advisory Board of Agriculture. The scholarship is awarded to the person starting a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree who has achieved the highest TER score. William is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Adelaide University and was recognised for the award. He is the son of a farming family from Roseworthy, so I suspect that he is known to the Hon. John Dawkins.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China and a member of the distinguished C9 League and the Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance. The university has over 36,000 students and more than 2,000 professors and associate professors and is well known and regarded as an increasingly prestigious university on the world stage. It is strategically important that we are developing strong relationships with such a renowned Chinese university.

China is Australia's number one export market and trading partner, representing $126 billion in trade for Australia in 2002, so it makes sense that two of our leading universities are working together in areas of agriculture and health. China has excelled in economic growth, and the increasing affluence of its people has created great opportunities for growth in trade, especially in food, beverages and fibre.

China is South Australia's fastest growing market for wine, and we know that there are great opportunities for our seafood, meat, dairy products and premium processed foods. This new partnership will focus significantly on issues of soil and water condition, food and wine preparation, and human health through safe and nutritious food. This alliance is important for South Australia, as it brings together some of the best academics, who will collaborate on cutting-edge research projects here in Australia and in Shanghai.

I am pleased to note that the principles of the agreement are well aligned with the South Australian government's strategic priority of promoting premium food and wine from our clean environment. South Australia's food and wine industry is a very important sector of the South Australian economy. I commend the universities for entering into this agreement, and I look forward to learning of the research outcomes and commercial application of this collaboration in years to come.

Two major facilities already proposed under the memorandum of understanding include a $10 million twin of the Hickinbotham Roseworthy Wine Science Laboratory, to be established in China, and a Shanghai-Adelaide healthy food innovation hub as a one-stop shop for the food industry in both countries. These new facilities, coupled with the existing research expertise, present an exciting opportunity to improve understanding in areas of agriculture and health.

The continued focus on engagement and collaboration with leading higher education institutions around the world makes a valuable contribution to research and teaching here in South Australia. Opportunities for our students to study abroad or with students and academics from overseas can be a transforming experience for both Australians and people from overseas.

This type of high-level collaboration between leading research institutions will no doubt raise the capacity for commercialisation and growth in investment in agribusiness here in South Australia. I commend this partnership and the commitment demonstrated to achieve this significant agreement by Professor Dan Wu, Vice President of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide.