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Putting Regional Science on Parliament’s Agenda
31/03/2008

Cotton Catchment Communities CRC and CSIRO research Entomologist Dr Sharon Downes of Narrabri, has been briefing Federal and State politicians on the future research directions of the cotton industry.

She and 150 other scientists attended the annual “Science meets Federal Parliament” forum in Canberra where they spent a day meeting with Parliamentarians and their staffers before attending formal meetings in Parliament House.

“Science meets Federal Parliament” provides a platform for scientists to discuss relevant and topical scientific issues facing Australia, as well as an opportunity to meet and develop relationships with Parliamentarians of the day.

Dr Sharon Downs was able to brief MP Petro Georgiou, Federal Member for Kooyong, Victoria and Senator Mary Jo Fisher, South Australia both of who expressed keen interest in genetic technologies.

“Both Mr. Georgiou and Senator Fisher were interested in Cotton CRC activities that were delivering benefits to growers and the community, particularly the ecosystem services that we can now gain from the environment largely as a result of employing GM crops.” Downes said.

Highlights of participating in the event included the opportunity to be part of the audience for the nationally televised speech at the National Press Club by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and attending a formal dinner in the Great Hall at Parliament House that was attended by several key politicians.

“Science meets Parliament provided a fabulous insight on how to promote our science to make an impact on the government of Australia, as well as giving me the opportunity to meet some very interesting scientists, at dinner I sat next to a quantum physicist that studies atoms within diamonds, and Brett Raguse, who held us spellbound while recounting the journey that ultimately led to his recent appointment as Federal Member for Forde”, concluded Dr Downes.

For more information please contact Dr Sharon Downs on 02 67991576 or 0427480967