OUTPUT CLASS 4: SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DESCRIPTION
This class of outputs involves:
- providing strategic and operational advice on science and science policy issues to the Prime Minister
- promoting the public understanding of, and engagement with, science
- developing relationships with similar offices overseas.
The Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, is appointed as a Ministerial Advisory Committee of one. He is accountable to the Prime Minister.
| 30.06.09 | 30.06.10 | 30.06.10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual $000 |
Actual $000 | Main Estimates $000 | Supplementary Estimates $000 | |
| – | Revenue - Crown | 335 | – | 335 |
| – | Revenue - other | – | – | – |
| – | Expenditure | 328 | – | 335 |
| – | Surplus | 7 | – | – |
| 2009/10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance Measures | Actual Standard | Budget Standard |
| Advice provided meets the department’s quality, quantity and timeliness standards. | Stakeholder feedback indicates high satisfaction. | Key stakeholders are satisfied. |
Objective
To provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and his Government on such matters as are from time to time included in an agreed work programme determined by the Prime Minister.
Performance
The Prime Minster was consulted on the Chief Science Advisor’s work programme; and the programme – involving activities aimed at promoting the role of science in, and its contribution to, society – has been well executed. In 2009/10 the Chief Science Advisor gave more than 30 public lectures and many informal addresses. He has met with – amongst others – the United Kingdom’s chief scientist (twice), the Australian chief scientist (twice), senior officials in the United States (including President’s science advisor), senior Chinese officials and vice-ministers, and senior officials in Singapore; local diplomatic representatives have also sought meetings with him. The Chief Science Advisor has provided requested reports to the Prime Minister on subjects such as methamphetamine, adolescence issues, and the commercialisation of research.
Feedback from the Prime Minister on the performance of the Chief Science Advisor has been positive.
