Science & Technology Australia has paid tribute to the powerful legacy of Karen Andrews as outgoing Industry, Science and Technology Minister.
"Karen Andrews has been a long-term champion for Australian science and technology, and leaves a lasting legacy of positioning these crucial capabilities at the very centre of policy," Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said today.
"As the Minister for Science and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Science, Minister Andrews has made a vast and enduring contribution to Australia's science community."
"Across a decade in Parliament, she has been a strong voice and advocate for science. Her outstanding leadership played a central role to ensure Australia met the coronavirus challenge with science, evidence, manufacturing capability and great Australian research."
"She has been a champion for women in STEM, personally championing programs to tackle the under-representation of women in these crucial fields such as the Superstars of STEM."
"She has also been a passionate supporter of STEM in schools and citizen science. And her work coordinating scientific expertise in response to last year's bushfires has strengthened Australia's community and environment resilience."
"We are pleased that Minister Andrews and Richard Marles – the Shadow Minister for Science – will continue together as co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Science."
"We thank her for her immense contribution to STEM, and congratulate her on her new role."
Science & Technology Australia works across all portfolios and with all Ministers to advance the crucial work of science and technology in the service of the nation.
We look forward to continuing our crucial role including with incoming Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter – as well as other Ministers whose work intersects with the science and technology sectors, including Ministers Andrews, Payne, Hume and Ruston.
