Government only out for a quick buck

I never thought I’d see the day when a government of Australia engaged in the wanton destruction of knowledge (Alison Barnes, “Research and destroy”, February 19-25). The Morrison government’s myopic prioritisation of commercialisable research shows an absence of understanding of the depth of research that lies behind commercial breakthroughs. They’d sooner grab the quick buck than foster world-class research. This government has already caused huge damage to our universities through its funding cuts and Jobkeeper exclusion: tens of thousands of jobs have been lost. The forced restructuring of pay and promotions to enforce the new commercialisation drive will further undermine our universities’ academic excellence; the ministerial prerogative to veto grants in the “national interest” politicises this. Academic research is not a function that can be switched on and off like a marketing campaign. It must be given consistent support, independent of ministerial whims. This government’s vandalism must be stopped.

– Christopher Young, Surrey Hills, Vic