I am absolutely delighted to be launching National Science Week 2025, Australia’s annual celebration of everything science and technology.

I’m very sorry I’m not there with you all, but I’m very pleased that my colleague David Smith, the Member for Bean, is in attendance. He does so much in the ACT to promote and support our national capital’s key institutions.  

Every year, millions of Australians attend National Science Week events and activities around the country, cultivating curiosity, excitement and often leaving them with an enduring interest in science.

This year, more than 2,000 activities and events are registered to take place all around Australia during National Science Week, covering everything from space farming to dark matter, eco-forensics to top end biosecurity.

All of these events are integral in promoting and encouraging interest in science, in technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and communicating their relevance in everyday life.

As minister for science, I’m completely invested in elevating the role of STEM in the community, in particular for the next generation.

Good, fulfilling science and technology careers are vital to making a secure, more resilient and productive Australia.

When we put scientific and technological discovery together with core Australian values – fairness, decency and the dignity of work – we create a better Australia that delivers better living standards for all.

A stronger Australian science sector is key to improving productivity and wellbeing, and to building the capabilities of the Australian workforce as we prepare for the industries of tomorrow.

It was only last week that Gilmour Space Technologies attempted the first launch of an Australian made rocket into orbit from Australian soil.

Achieving some brief flight time was a promising first test.

It’s rare in the space sector for first launches to reach orbit. It’s part of the innovation cycle, which involves experimenting, analysing failure, testing, learning and building on initial achievements.

The team will now review the campaign and use the lessons to prepare for a second test launch in the coming months.

Just getting to the launch pad, let alone lift-off, is a real success.

Moments like these help our mission to inspire the next generation of Australia’s STEM workforce.

As Australia looks to the future, Questacon continues to play a critical part in the national effort to build a scientifically engaged Australia and that next generation of skilled workers in STEM. There is no better place than Questacon to be hosting today’s launch.

Building the high-skilled workforce that Australia will need to staff its future industrial capacity in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and critical minerals processing, for example, entirely depends on our efforts to inspire wonder, critical thinking and a love of STEM in boys and girls today.

All of us – governments, businesses, researchers, universities, schools, public organisations and community leaders across the country – have a role to play in that effort.

I want all of you to find a local activity or virtual event and get there, engage with it, and promote it right through National Science Week.

This is a big week for Australia. I’m really looking forward to watching it unfold.