What Australia really needs is a considered blueprint for the future. The release of this paper by Minister Kemp is imminent. He is expected to allow three months for comment and response, in order to get comprehensive feedback, and in contrast to the botched and secretive release of earlier plans to change the system. The announcement of a new Chief Scientist is imminent. The scientific and technological community is watching with interest to see who will pick up the baton from John Stocker.
Stocker is a hard act to follow.
One of the bright spots on the science horizon has been the significant rise in prestige and performance of the Prime Minister's Science Council, and I hope the new appointee will be able to match Stocker's astute management of the Council. The paper has been widely circulated, and demand from Parliamentary Committees and industry groups has forced a third printing. All Member Societies have been invited to nominate changes and additions to the document. Chair of Policy Committee Ken Baldwin has convened a Committee meeting for April 30, and is interested in hearing ideas and comments. Until recently, postdoctoral study overseas was the norm for Australian Ph.D. graduates.