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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-03-06 Daily Xml
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SCIENCE AND RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

The Hon. L. STEVENS (Little Para) (14:19): My question is to the Minister for Science and Information Economy. What role has South Australia's Chief Scientist played in promoting the development of science and research in our state?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for this question. Last night I had the pleasure, with the Premier and minister Maywald, of attending a function to farewell our retiring Chief Scientist, Emeritus Professor Max Brennan. Professor Brennan was appointed South Australia's inaugural Chief Scientist in June 2005. This was an inspired move, because Professor Brennan's achievements in just two and a half years have been absolutely outstanding. He has become South Australia's face of science, using his experience, vast knowledge, determination and infectious enthusiasm for science to substantially raise the profile of science and research both in South Australia and nationally. Professor Brennan's efforts have led to the attraction to our state of significant levels of funding from both government and industry sources.

During his tenure, Professor Brennan admirably led the Premier's Science and Research Council, giving it a clear strategic focus, including identifying priorities for the distribution of the Premier's Science and Research Fund and ensuring that science funding was directed towards projects with specific links to our goals in the State Strategic Plan. Of particular note, Professor Brennan has been instrumental in sharpening our state's ability to win future investment opportunities in the defence sector, and he has been a staunch proponent of the government's major science strategies, including Constellation SA and STI10.

Professor Brennan has represented our state on various assessment panels, including the prestigious South Australian Science Excellence Awards, and through these activities he has been able to build the recognition of our state's research capacity nationally and, indeed, beyond our nation's shores. From a personal perspective, it has been a privilege to work with Max and to learn from such a talented person.

The Hon. M.D. Rann interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Indeed. On behalf of the government—in fact, if I could be so presumptuous—and the parliament, I wish him the very best for the future. While he has retired from the position of chief scientist, I hope to maintain a link with him the years ahead.

Last night the Premier was able to announce the appointment of the new Chief Scientist. Dr Ian Chessell took up that role last night and he was greeted enthusiastically by the many scientists who were in attendance at last night's farewell function. Dr Chessell is a highly regarded member of our science and research community. He retired as the commonwealth's Chief Defence Scientist in 2003, and was previously a member of the Premier's Science and Research Council and the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.

Since his retirement, Dr Chessell has remained an important participant in the science and defence sectors. He is currently a member of the Premier's Defence SA Advisory Board and he has chaired several commonwealth government review panels. Dr Chessell is well informed on recent developments in science and his reputation extends well beyond our state's borders, with his work being nationally and internationally recognised. I very much look forward to working closely with Dr Chessell in order to ensure that the economic, social and environmental benefits that science and research can be deliver are maximised to the benefit of all South Australians.

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