19 August 2010

The Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences today welcomed the announcement by the Coalition parties that, if elected, they will fund and support the Inspiring Australia strategy for science engagement.

The Council's President, Professor Linda Rosenman said the Coalition's commitment showed a developing consensus about the need to build links into the Australian community from academic and research institutions. "The Council also welcomes the Coalition's announcement of new funding to expand the research training scheme, which supports higher degree research students in Australian universities, and its commitment to independent research," she said.

The Inspiring Australia strategy includes the social sciences in research disciplines which receive support in communicating and explaining their knowledge to policy makers, industry, students and the broader community and acknowledges the important role of the humanities.

Professor Rosenman noted with regret that the Coalition parties would retain current Research and Development Tax Concessions which excluded innovation based on humanities, arts and social sciences disciplines.

The Council also welcomed recognition of cultural policy issues by the major parties and the Greens. Professor Rosenman said some excellent proposals were emerging, particularly in support for new performing arts work, and noted the fund for heritage works from the Greens. "The parties are now moving to recognise the arts and creative industries as an important part of Australian life, and major contributors to the economy."

The Labor commitment to a national cultural policy in a new term of government was a good starting point for policy development over the next few years in a sector where rapid change and innovation was resulting in strains in current policy delivery, she said.

The Council's election issues agenda is at www.chass.org.au

The humanities, arts and social sciences are critically important to Australia. They play a key role in the national innovation system and underpin the development of our society, culture and individual identity. The Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences works towards greater recognition of people, projects and organisations working in the sector and to strengthen their capacity to contribute. It is a network of more than 85 organisations.

Contact for Information:
Ms Helen O'Neil
Executive Director
Phone: 0417 230540
director [at] chass.org.au