Thank you, Dr Melanie Bagg [National Youth Science Forum CEO] for the introduction and good evening, everyone.

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which this event is being held, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

I also pay my respects to any First Nations people here with us this evening.

It is a great delight to be with you this evening to mark the 40^th Anniversary of the National Youth Science Forum.

I really love this time of year because we get to celebrate the remarkable contribution Australian scientists make to our community. 

Last week, people all over the country enjoyed our 28^th National Science Week – with more than 1500 events across Australia. 

From Palaeontologists to biosecurity officers, from astronauts to experts in AI and 3D printing – hundreds of scientists shared their knowledge to inspire the next generation. 

I thank them for their efforts. 

During the week, I also announced Australia’s new National Science and Research Priorities and Statement. 

You know, the first National Science Statement was launched 35 years ago by Prime Minister Bob Hawke. 

He also appointed the country’s first Chief Scientist and established the National Science and Technology Council the same year. 

And 40 years ago, it was the Hawke government who oversaw the establishment of the National Youth Science Forum. 

He recognised the role science could play in reinvigorating and strengthening our country and its economy – and we’re working hard to continue his legacy.

It’s been nearly a decade since the National Science Priorities have been updated. 

They will now provide a long-term direction for our science and research efforts for years to come. 

The Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, led an exhaustive nationwide consultation process speaking to hundreds of people, including maybe some of you here tonight. 

I want to thank her again for her stellar efforts. 

For the first time ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ will become a key science priority. 

We’re recognising the breadth of knowledge built up over 65,000 years on this continent by First Nations people. 

We will now seek to apply that know-how for our economic and social benefit. 

What does that look like? It looks like resin from spinifex grass being harvested in Camooweal in north-west Queensland and manufactured in Brisbane to make a medical gel that is used to treat arthritis. Incredible stuff. 

Our government recognises it’s our scientists who will make the discoveries, inventions and technologies that underpin industrial and economic growth. 

Great ideas of our scientists and researchers lead to great products and great jobs.

And of course, it’s our STEM educators who teach the skills to create Australia’s emerging workforce for AI, biotech, robotics, quantum, and other advanced technology sectors.

Behind every scientist is a backstory that usually involves a warm memory of the support and encouragement of a science teacher.

Just as we foster and develop our future sporting champions – and what a result we’ve seen at the Olympics from our efforts there – so must we invest in our future science champions. 

This starts with an awakening in the minds of your Australians to the possibilities of STEM and careers in science.

That’s why the National Youth Science Forum is so important - it been offering study, research and job opportunities to our young people for the past 40 years. 

More than five hundred students took part in this year’s Year 12 Program, they are part of 15,000 students who have been helped in the past 40 years. 

That’s a significant STEM legacy. 

Drill down into that list and you will see names like Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist and Tim Senden, Director of the ANU’s Research School of Physics and ANSTO Board member.

Our excellent host Nate Byrne is also an alumnus.

And joining us here tonight is Dr Catherine Sinclair who took part in the inaugural NYSF program back in 1984.

She now works at Boeing in scientific visualisation creating graphic representations, a crucial process that allows for better understanding of data through imagery. 

All of these alumni praise the program for having empowered or influenced them to set off down their chosen career paths.

What I particularly admire about the NYSF is how hard it worked to supported under-represented groups to engage more with STEM.

More than half its participants are female and almost half come from regional and remote areas. 

It is incredibly important we get more secondary school kids – regardless of gender, background, or postcode – enrolled in STEM subjects.

So again – thank you for your efforts. You’re helping to ignite in them a love of science and technology, fostering a passion that can grow into rewarding careers.

The Albanese Government is pleased to support organisations like the National Youth Science Forum.

That’s why I am very pleased to announce the Government is boosting funding for the NYSF by an extra $1.8 million over four years. 

This means more young people from a wide range of backgrounds will be able to STEM education and careers. 

This brings the total government support for this program to more than $5 million. 

The new funding is part of the Government’s $38 million boost to STEM programs.

We’re also boosting funding to 

• The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grants (WiSE) will receive an additional $8.5 million to fund long term projects.
• Science in Australia Gender Equity will receive an additional $7.1 million over 5 years, to provide an expanded accreditation framework for diversity in STEM.
• Superstars of STEM will receive an additional $3.8 million over 7 years to continue making diverse role models visible in the media. 
• The Girls in STEM Toolkit will receive an additional $2 million to inspire more diverse young people of all ages in school to study STEM and choose STEM careers.

This new funding will ensure we’re training and attracting young people into STEM learning and training and paving the way for a stronger STEM future for Australia.

All those involved in the National Youth Science Forum – going back to 1984 – can take deep satisfaction in a job well done.

You have encouraged generations of young Aussies to think more deeply about the possibilities of STEM and given them the means to kick-start their careers.

Congratulations on your 40^th anniversary, and I wish you every success for the future.

Please enjoy the rest of the evening.