Universities Australia (UA) has advocated for many of the reforms announced today, including a simpler grants structure, a renewed focus on early-stage research and stronger support for early-career and Indigenous researchers.

Every major breakthrough starts with an idea. Our universities create and turn those ideas into the knowledge, technologies and capabilities that improve lives, strengthen our economy, create jobs and secure Australia’s future.

The new grants program will be an important part of strengthening Australia’s research and development system, but it can’t do that work alone. Its implementation should be supported by sustained government investment and broader reform across the research system.

Timely implementation of the Ambitious Australia report will be central to ensuring Australia has the funding, workforce and capability needed to turn more ideas into jobs, industries and economic growth.

UA looks forward to working with the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government to ensure the new program supports a strong, diverse and sustainable research workforce and delivers the greatest possible benefit for the nation.