Despite tons of paper and millions of dollars spent on promotions as well as many glamorous programs and events we are still little more than a primary commodity producer and a technology dump for the rest of the industrial world. Two thirds of our exports are rural, fuel or minerals, and elaborately transformed products are a mere 15 %. Our colonial fate was to supply raw materials to the motherland and not to compete with its mighty industry. For decades many of our bright scientists sought greener pastures in the US or Europe, dissatisfied with our lack of support and negative attitudes.

Now our aspirations are growing, but our attitudes toward science and technology are still entrenched in the past. We realise science and technology can not be grown overnight and it will be unrealistic to expect that in a couple of centuries we shall evolve from penal colony to a scientific Mecca. If we are to catch up with the developed world we have to donate our antiquated attitudes to the museums and start thinking about our philosophical stone. Only science and technology can tell us how to couple the talent of our people with the rich natural resources of our land.

We shall do our best to support scientists and involve them in every facet of management – from corporate through to government level. Science will be an integral part of our policies, as well as any other business or community venture.

Our vision will be focused on the following areas and measures:

• Modern biotechnology is challenging our age-old concepts about life and providing us with radical new alternatives. They may rid us of many health or food problems, but may also end our race as well. Despite the many controversial issues involved with human & animal cloning, genetic engineering and similar types of research, this technology is already a reality. It is our duty to learn its aspects and make the best possible use of its advantages before it is too late. Very soon human cloning may become an affordable technology (legal or not) available to people with very different intentions. One may decide to clone Socrates, while others may opt for a private army of cannibals. Huxley’s “Brave new world” is happening. Disregarding our willingness to accept it or not, in a very short time asexual reproduction of almost any kind of living creature will be a reality. The new generation cloned humans will be very different from what we are now. This difference will create deep divisions in society, and may have catastrophic consequences for our civilization. To outlaw such practice will be almost impossible, even if now many people feel this is the way to go. What we now consider "science fiction" will soon be reality - we will be able to produce custom made astronauts, athletes and pop stars as well as servants or killers. The above thoughts can barely illustrate our immense interest in this area and our commitment to dedicate adequate resources in order to harness the positive forces of this vital (in both meanings) technology.

• The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will receive more attention and the necessary funds to broaden its research in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and energy as a viable and cleaner alternative to our outdated coal-fired power stations. We need to open our minds for nuclear science and energy and join the rest of the developed world in this vital area. Such a campaign will require a huge effort in order to overcome our backward and negative sentiments towards everything “nuclear”. It is not difficult to trace back the origins of such an attitude to our (and British) military aspirations and the nuclear tests that devastated Maralinga (SA) and  Monte Bello (WA).  

• Further improvement of the tax system will make research and development investments more efficient and affordable for every business. Lowering taxes for research institutes will provide better incentives and conditions for many scientists. The lower budget revenue will be offset by higher industrial outputs. We expect to attract new investments from local and overseas capital and provide many smart employment opportunities.

• Strengthening the public research and the associated Australian Research Council will help harness the innovative spirits of many ordinary people and deliver smarter outcomes for many. Increased funding will ensure vital support for many new ideas on their rigorous journey through to commercialization.

• We shall improve and expand CSIRO, making it a world class research facility able to compare and co-operate with many leading overseas institutions.

• Additional funds will be allocated to improve science learning in schools and keep our children on track to the future, away from archaic dogma and superstition.

• Science museums, as well as scientific TV and radio shows will receive dramatically better funding and support in order to popularise their ideas amongst expanded audiences and open our eyes to the benefits of knowledge.

• Hundreds of new fellowships will be awarded to encourage our researchers to work in (or return to) Australia. We shall gladly invest in their smart ideas and share the benefits.

• Together with our tremendous support for all kinds of peaceful research we are also committed to end all efforts in defence, military, espionage and similar sciences. We shall abolish all research projects and organizations (e.g. DSTO) and redirect their funds and personnel to peaceful alternatives.

Also see: Space; Environment; Education