The sector’s pre-election policy statement Keep it Clever, made the case that a properly funded university research system was an essential prerequisite for Australia making a successful transition to an economy built on innovation, ideas and ingenuity.

“In committing to build research capability across the system, and support research partnerships between institutions and between universities and research end users, Labor clearly believes that supporting an integrated research system will deliver better and more efficient outcomes,” said Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Belinda Robinson.

“As the generator of the jobs and industries of the future, Australia’s world-class university research is absolutely central,” Ms Robinson said.

“Restoring funding for key national research programs is consistent with the university sector’s pre-election policy statement and is an important and positive step towards assuring a world-class research system.”