The federal government will adopt all 11 recommendations of the 2024 Diversity in STEM review, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has confirmed.

Husic surprised the crowd at the startup conference Southstart in South Australia on Wednesday, announcing the government’s long-awaited response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review, chaired by Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams, who was present for the news, praising her and the panel’s work as a landmark.

“The government is going to accept all the recommendations of that report and make them a reality,” he said.

“We, frankly, do not have time to stuff around with inane barriers that have stopped people, particularly women and people from underrepresented groups, from playing a part of building a better nation.

“And particularly in the work that is required in modern, sharp economies, need to be able to have strong manufacturing capabilities, but they also need to develop and embrace and use technology a lot more, and our country can do a lot more of that.”

The review into the effectiveness of government science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for women and others was commissioned in September 2022.

Williams worked with University of Western Australia professor Dr Parwinder Kaur and Indigital founder Mikaela Jade in a year-long consultation leading to the final report being handed to the government 12 months ago.

Recommendations for Australia’s STEM future

The 11 recommendations included “a whole-of-government, long-term strategy to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM” and the federal government “working with states and territories to improve participation and achievement in STEM skills and subjects in schools”.

It recommended more support for STEM educators and students, safer workplaces, and a plan to increase attraction, retention, and promotion of underrepresented cohorts.

It also called for First Nations scientists and researchers to be prioritised when it comes to applying for government funding for projects that have an impact on Indigenous people.

“People from diverse cohorts face additional and often intersecting barriers,” the panel said in handing down the report.

“This diversity can include where they live or their socioeconomic status.

“It can include their gender or sexual orientation, their race or culture, or their physical or cognitive ability.

“As a result, they cannot pursue their aspirations and interests in STEM in the same way as peers who do not face these challenges.”

Australia ‘not moving fast enough’

Minister Husic’s response came as Labor continued to prepare for a general election in the next few months, and just a few days before International Women’s Day on Saturday, 8 March.

“We have seen some progress, but we are not moving fast enough,” he said

“If we want our nation to remain at the top of its game, we need to put to work bright minds from all walks of life.

“Increasing diversity in STEM gives us a workforce that draws on different perspectives to help solve complex problems, build productive firms and grow our economy.”

Williams told Startup Daily she was “delighted” the government was accepting the recommendations in full.

“These systemic changes have the potential to ensure Australia’s long term economic future,” she said.

“Critically now I would be delighted to see bi-partisan support and acceptance of these recommendations as they pave the way to ensure a prosperous future for all.

“Commitment to unlocking the full potential of a highly engaged and diverse STEM workforce is critical for our economic needs and to build sovereign capability.

“We cannot afford for this to be anything less.”

This article is republished with permission from Startup Daily. You can read the original here.