Federal Labor Senator Kim Carr has announced that he will not renominate as Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, ending a two-decade stint on the frontbench in both government and opposition.
Carr has been on Labor’s frontbench since 1996, serving much of that time as the party’s spokesperson for industry, science and research. He will continue in his position as a Labor Senator for Victoria.
“For much of my time in Parliament I have been the Labor Party’s spokesperson on innovation industry, science and research. Innovation policy is critically important to the Labor movement. It is the thread that draws industry, science and research policy together,” Carr said.
“Labor will always seek to work with industry, unions and researchers to develop a 21st century industrial structure that will ensure prosperity for all Australians.
“My policy interests remain. I shall continue to advocate for the modernisation of Australian industry, and for restoring science and research policy to the centre of government,” he said.
Science and Technology president, Professor Emma Johnston, said Carr will be remembered as a dedicated advocate for the STEM sector.
“Whether it was the introduction of the Excellence in Research Australia initiative to measure the calibre of our work, the establishment and defence of the Education Investment Fund, or his dogged pursuit for transparency in Senate Estimates, Senator Carr will continue to have an enduring impact on Australian science and technology,” Johnston said.
“He has remained a consultative representative and we wish him all the best as a continuing Senator for Victoria.”
“We look forward to Senator Carr’s ongoing support for our sector and enthusiastic engagement with Australian scientists and technologists.”