Paul Hutchison
National Party Science Spokesman
23 December 2005
Parliamentary inquiry into science losses needed
National's Science spokesman, Paul Hutchison, is calling for a select committee inquiry into three consecutive years of
losses and 40 redundancies at Industrial Research.
A group of scientists has written to the chair of Industrial Research, Liz Coutts, expressing 'shock and dismay' at the
situation.
Among their concerns are:
- The lack of research experience informing the decisions made by the board and senior management.
- The relentless pursuit of commercial objectives to the detriment of underpinning science capability.
- The burdensome management system.
Dr Hutchison says the scientists are urging the board to acknowledge the problems and to critically review the business
model for Industrial Research.
"Steve Maharey must act quickly to resolve these serious problems at IRL which was, until three years ago, a flagship
Crown research institute.
Dr Hutchison says he will call for a select committee inquiry into the problems at IRL as soon as Parliament resumes.
Ends