b'Canberra observed Importantly, 40% of this allocation isreforms can be in place before the endThere are several problems with the committed through the ARC Linkageof 2022. Ministers instructions. I will just mention Program. This programme fundstwo. The first is why should the ARC collaborative projects between universitiesThese areas are: have to fund medical products when the and industry and community organisations.NHMRC is allocated more funds than the The aim is to stimulate the transfer of skillsSupporting national priorities ARC? It just weakens the ARCs funding and knowledge to deliver public benefit. Strengthening the National Interestposition. The second problem is that Test (NIT) the re-allocation of funds to the Linkage The minister is now demanding thatFast tracking implementation ofProgram will suck funds away from basic 70% of the Linkage Program fundingrecommendations from the reviewresearch, which should be a core function goes to the Governments Nationalof the Excellence of the Research forof the ARC.Manufacturing Priorities. Australia (ERA) and the Engagement His letter was very forceful: and Impact (EI) assessmentsEnhanced organisational governance. The Government should be encouraging This Letter of Expectation identifies fourresearchers to look outside the box key areas which I ask you to prioritiseTalk about telling the expert how to doinstead of trying to micromanage our for immediate implementation, so thather job! basic research programme.FEBRUARY 2022 PREVIEW 28'