Question Without Notice No. 584 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 August 2018 by Hon Colin Tincknell
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK — REGIONAL EVENTS
584. Hon COLIN TINCKNELL to the minister representing the Minister for Science:
During this week's National Science Week, a number of Perth-centric events are being held in Western Australia to promote the sciences. In addition to this, a third science innovation hub has been announced and will be located in Perth's south at Curtin University. With respect to promoting and providing access to the sciences in regional areas —
(1) How many science week events are being held in WA?
(2) How many of these events are Perth-based?
(3) How many are regional events?
(4) Has consideration been given to basing an innovation hub in a regional area; if so, when and for where is it planned; and, if not, why not?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question. The Minister for Science has provided the following information.
(1) There are currently 264 events and 33 competitions and online activities in Western Australia registered by their organisers on the National Science Week website.
(2) Over 120 of the Western Australia events are registered as being in Perth.
(3) Approximately 80 of the Western Australian events are registered as being in the regions. It should be noted that some events occur in both the metropolitan and regional areas.
(4) Out of the state government's $16.7 million new industries fund, $4.5 million has been allocated to the state's nine regions as the regional new industries fund to support venture creation and accelerate business growth to diversify the economy and create new jobs. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as administrators of the RNIF, have sought and will continue to seek regional submissions to optimise outcomes from the available funds.