University of Sydney responds to 2020 Budget

We welcome the federal government’s investment in research including the additional research and development tax incentives, and appreciate this recognition of the essential role universities will play as we seek to help our economy recover.

These important measures will help universities manage the immediate short-term challenges we face – providing support for research projects that are vital for Australia’s recovery and sovereignty, as well as the current generation of early and mid career researchers that our nation simply can’t afford to lose.

Of course this very welcome Research Support Program one-off boost comes in the context of a longer-term slide in research funding, and we maintain our serious concerns about the job-ready graduates bill and its expected impact on students and education.

We look forward to continuing our work with governments and industry to address the longer-term structural issues facing the sector, including sustainable funding for research and education – and to play our part in ensuring a strong future for education and research in this country.