Need to be SMARTer over science

How could Einstein have known these applications at the time? He couldn't! His theories were the foundation for physical inventions and creations.

As science evolved and progress, more doors opened to greater and more fantastic inventions.

Many times we use things like our GPS systems without realising the many years of history and development behind such an amazing creation.

That is why I believe it is important that the government does not direct scientific research to an end result. It is many times the unexpected development that creates the greatest of inventions.

Indeed, you need look no further than Australia, where wifi came about as a result of radio astronomy research.

It came about as a result of a failed experiment into finding atomic sized mini black holes.

Herein lies the problem with the way scientific research is being viewed and funded. While science should not be micromanaged, a coherent and coordinated approach should be implemented when funding it and developing it.

This is one of the biggest problems of not having a dedicated science minister.

I have been quiet on the lack of a science minister since I first criticised it when the ministry was announced, the first time we have had no science minister since 1931.

I am bitterly disappointed that my fears have come to pass.

This is a critical portfolio, and as I stated at the time, the issue was not necessarily one of a lack of coverage by the ministers responsible for various parts of the portfolio, but the fact that there was a lack of coordination, a lack of a single chain of command, a lack of a clear line of communication not only within government, but among those working in science.

Not a single G8 nation lacks a dedicated science minister, and this bodes ill for our future.