WA gets $1.5 million science boost

The Australian Government, the WA government and six WA institutions have signed an agreement worth $1.5 million to deliver programs over four years under the national Inspiring Australia program that showcases science.

“We and our partners recognise that in high-performing economies business, scientists, educators and policymakers work together,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science Karen Andrews MP.

Our workforce increasingly needs STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills simply to do their jobs and a good grounding in STEM will become even more imperative for the jobs of tomorrow, said Andrews.

“Inspiring Australia is a central part of engaging people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from their early childhood.”

The agreement is expected to boost Inspiring Australia’s successes in Western Australia with more activities during National Science Week, and building regional hubs to deliver year-round science events for local communities.

The Coalition Government is investing $28.1 million over four years to 2017-18, to support Inspiring Australia and other Questacon educational programs.