The Knowledge Nation Taskforce
The Knowledge Nation Taskforce comprises leaders from Australia’s education and research institutions, policy experts and economists from the knowledge sector, high profile business leaders from the information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology and sustainable technology industries, and State and Federal parliamentarians who have a particular interest in developing Australia’s knowledge potential.
It is chaired by The Hon. Dr. Barry Jones, former Minister for Science and author of the acclaimed book, Sleepers, Wake! The Deputy Chair is Martyn Evans, MP, Federal Shadow Minister for Science and Resources.
The Taskforce was established by the Leader of the Federal Opposition, Kim Beazley, at the ALP National Conference in August 2000 to devise an action agenda for developing Australia as a Knowledge Nation.
The recommendations in the action agenda are those of the Taskforce, not the ALP, and are presented to Kim Beazley for his consideration and policy response.
The purpose of this action agenda is to define the Knowledge Nation and set broad strategic goals to guide policy development between now and 2010 for governments at the State and Federal levels.
The recommendations contained in this report are designed to build long-term advantage for Australia as a Knowledge Nation. They cannot be a quick fix. The Taskforce understands that the resources and priorities of governments change from year to year and therefore that the long-term investment we envisage will need to be adopted as a permanent priority for every Federal Government. The important thing is durable commitment and demonstrable progress.
The Taskforce and Kim Beazley’s office received offers to make submissions from prominent Australians and major representative organisations. A list of individuals and organisations that made submissions is provided as an appendix to this document.
Acknowledgements
The Taskforce would like to acknowledge the assistance given by Cindy Tschernitz of www.tellmenow.com.au and Gerard Castles.
The Taskforce and Chifley Research Centre thanks Peter Hall for his donation of funds to meet the costs of administering the work of the Taskforce.
