The Director of Antarctic Tasmania and Science Research Development, Denzil Miller has called for  comment on a draft of the Tasmanian science research sector development strategy.

 

'Reaching Our Potential, Developing Tasmania's Science Research Capability' was recently made available online for public consultation.

 

Mr Miller said the strategy had drafted the document in close collaboration with key science research sector and Tasmanian Government stakeholders.

 

"The Tasmanian Economic Development Plan, identifies science and research is as a key industry sector with the potential for substantial and sustainable growth," Mr Miller said.

 

"Scientific endeavour is an important factor in innovation and economic growth, and the science research sector possesses a number of competitive advantages that make Tasmania an ideal place in which to invest in future science research activities. 

 

"Tasmania has the potential to become a world class centre of scientific endeavour in areas of immediate and emerging importance to the global community.

 

"This is reflected in the strategy's goal, 'To develop Tasmanian science research through facilitation of improved science research capability at a professional, government, industry and community level.'

"With targeted support, we can assist the Science Research Sector to achieve its potential.

 

"Such intervention, however, has to be fiscally responsible and should ensure that community outcomes are sustainable.

 

"This draft strategy presents the proposed approach of the Tasmanian Government in supporting this growth in a sustainable manner and I invite all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on this draft."

 

'Reaching Our Potential, Developing Tasmania's Science Research Capability' draft documents are available for download from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts' website at www.development.tas.gov.au.

 

The public consultation period will be open until Monday, 24 September 2012.