A re-elected Albanese government has committed to pumping $100 million into the redevelopment of Scitech in West Perth.
A re-elected Albanese government has committed to pumping $100 million into the redevelopment of Scitech in West Perth.
Announcing the commitment today, Science Minister Ed Husic said Scitech was an icon of Western Australia, and the upgrades or relocation would deliver a state-of-the-art facility to enrich STEM education.
“Seeing science brought to life in WA’s kids can be the spark that ignites a lifelong passion for science and tech,” he said.
“Access to world-class science shouldn’t depend on your postcode. The Albanese Labor Government wants kids from every corner of the country to get access to science to help build a stronger Australia.
“Kids from Duncraig to Albany, from Kalgoorlie to Karratha deserve a rich science experience that can get them set up for a great job in the future – our governments are investing in just that.”
As part of the commitment, Mr Husic said a re-elected Albanese government would also invest $2.8 million for Questacon pop-up STEM exhibits in public libraries across Western Australia – including in regional areas such as Broome and Esperance.
During a visit to Scitech earlier this year, Business News spoke to Scitech chief executive Dr John Chappell, who spoke of challenges securing funding.
“So, on the upside, all of the revenue that we can control directly has increased, our self-generated revenue has outperformed CPI and at a very healthy rate.
“We've had two successive years of record numbers of people coming through the door, and that obviously drives revenue.
“We also rely on government funding and money from corporate partnerships, we've had some small increases to our government funding, but in real terms, when you factor in CPI, our government funding has gone backwards over the last decade. And similarly, for corporate funding is it's just a more challenging environment.”
Speaking to Business News today, Mr Chappell said the money would allow Scitech to invest in its long-term future.
"The government has promised this money, if re-elected, with no strings attached. That means we can look at the benefits of either upgrading or moving to a new, more visible venue," he said.
"Our number one priority is to get as many people through the door as possible - but a second priority of ensuring our long-term financial sustainability is really important.
"So everything is on the table. A new venue could give us more space and even open some new revenue channels - like bookable conference or meeting rooms; and more special exhibitions."
“Western Australians working in science, engineering and technology contribute $87 billion to the WA economy annually, and one in three of these workers tell us that Scitech had a positive influence on their career choice."
