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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-06-04 Daily Xml
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Regional Science Education

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Science and Information Technology a question about increasing interest in science subjects across regional South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.T. NGO: I understand that there is evidence that students in regional areas appear to be taking up the study of science subjects at a lower rate than their metropolitan counterparts. Can the minister advise the chamber what the government is doing to inspire young people in regional communities to embrace science?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:45): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. Science goes to the heart of lifting the opportunities, health and skills of Australia's workforce and social and economic prosperity. Scientific advances underpin much of the state's prosperity, and not just in the metropolitan area. Science is critical to the prosperity of our regional industries and communities. It is for that reason that we need to create a South Australia that is more than just science literate; it needs to be known as a place where science is greatly valued, respected and celebrated, a state where science can truly flourish.

Earlier this month the Inspiring South Australia program was launched. This is a unique partnership between the federal and state governments, the South Australian Museum and our three public universities, all working together to inspire all South Australians to share the passion for science. One of the important priorities of this partnership is to build science engagement in regional areas, to inspire young people in regions to study science and technology subjects, and to increase innovation and economic diversity in regional businesses.

Therefore, a key part of the Inspiring South Australia program is the creation of regional science hubs. These science hubs will build a network of regional community groups, organisations and businesses to help bring the celebration of science to an increasing number of South Australians. The hubs will provide science demonstrations and activities in their communities throughout the year, but particularly during National Science Week. To encourage the success of this new initiative the state government will provide seed funding of up to $17,500 for the launch of each new regional science hub and to support them in hosting community events held during national science weeks for the next three years.

I was very pleased to be advised that 15 expressions of interest were received from educational organisations, local government, environment groups and industry associations in regions across our state. This is a real demonstration that our regions are enthusiastic about inspiring their communities about the wonders of science, and it is also pleasing that these science activities will be embedded in a diverse range of local organisations.

The government will initially establish four regional science hubs this year, and the intention is to grow that number over the next few years and, after, reviewing their success and building on best practice models. I hope all members in this place are looking forward to National Science Week—which, this year, will be held from 15 to 23 August—as much as I am. I encourage everyone to be involved.

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