A new Australian Antarctic Science Council is to be established in Hobart, Tasmania, to revitalise science research on the frozen continent as well as bolster the city’s position as an Antarctic science hub and gateway.
The Ministers for the Environment, Innovation, Education and Training announced the new Council jointly saying it would provide further strategic direction for the Australian Antarctic Program and oversee funding priorities to ensure they directly supported Antarctic research, reduced administrative costs and made it easier to plan multi-year projects.
According to the Ministers the new Council will comprise an independent Chair and representatives from key Antarctic science agencies.
They said setting up the Council would be the first step in implementing the recommendations of a review into the governance of Australia’s Antarctic Science Program conducted by former Department secretary and Prime Ministerial Chief of Staff, Drew Clarke.
The Ministers said the Clarke review was undertaken to ensure Antarctic investments were effective, joined-up and fit-for-purpose and the Government had supported, either in full or in principle, all nine of Mr Clarke’s recommendations.
They said Australia had developed world-class Antarctic science capabilities over many decades and the Council would enhance its international reputation for Antarctic science.
“This revamp of science funding delivers on the Coalition Government’s Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan to increase Antarctic research,” the Ministers said.
The 25-page report of the Clarke review can be accessed at this PS News link.
