The Western Australian Government has announced that the Department of Premier and Cabinet will take responsibility of the state’s research sector.

Under arrangements announced by Premier Colin Barnett, the newly established Office of Science will be moved under the auspices of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

The changes form one of many to a range of Government departments recently announced by the Premier, which he says will deliver significant improves to services across the state.

“The knowledge and application of science is what underpins new and diverse concepts and ideas - science enables communities to take steps forward in the way they run businesses, the way they protect the environment and the way they educate their children,” Mr Barnett said.

The Premier said the determining factors to enable the State to achieve future economic success were its capacity and expertise in science.

“The State Government will focus scientific research and expenditure on the areas of agriculture, education and research, radio astronomy, natural sciences, biodiversity and minerals and resources,” he said. 

“These are areas in which Western Australia has a natural advantage and where the State excels.”