Labor pays tribute to the work of Professor Ian Chubb, who today completes his term as Australia’s Chief Scientist.

Professor Chubb is an outstanding public intellectual who has strongly defended the role of science in the life of the nation during a time when it too often came under attack from those with scurrilous agendas.

“Professor Chubb was an energetic advocate for Australia’s scientists and their vital research when the Liberals did not even see fit to appoint a Minister for Science,” said Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

“He stood against the irrationality of those who contested the science of climate change, and strongly argued that Australia must foster education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills from the earliest levels of schooling.

“Professor Chubb insisted that without a solid basic education in STEM and a broad popular appreciation for the work of science Australia would lag behind other developed economies in its innovation capability.

“His advocacy is one of the principal reasons innovation has returned to the forefront of the national political conversation,” Mr Shorten said.

Senator Carr said Professor Chubb had rightly rejected the arguments of those who contend that an active role for government in science and innovation policy would stifle productivity.

“He dismissed that sort of argument as ‘voodoo economics’ ”, Senator Carr said. “Professor Chubb pointed out that the most advanced economies are in fact those in which the role of government is accepted and upheld.

“His vision for Australia has always been one in which Government, business, universities and our excellent public research agencies work together.”

Senator Carr  said he was confident that Professor Chubb’s retirement as Chief Scientist would not mean the end of his contribution to public life.

Before becoming Chief Scientist, Professor Chubb held leadership positions in four Australian universities, including being vice-chancellor of two of them.

“I look forward to the next stage of Professor Chubb’s distinguished career,” said Senator Carr.

FRIDAY, 22 JANUARY 2016

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