the problem with this Howard conservative and business pleasing do nothing and get out of the way is that ----------- one just can't buy back 40 years of lost preparation
we just can't
Oz has had a braindrain in STEMS (other areas have been attracting brains - but, not STEMS) ------
so not only have we literally gutted STEMS research and ed (and classical ed) - but, we've been haemorrhaging what STEMS people we did have - they are GONE
and they are not coming back - there's too much on offer OS -- even if Oz had exciting projects to drag them back - OZ would have to pay heaps more to compete.
I was talking to some young (mid 30's) STEMS people here a few months back - and whilst they weren't aware of some of the big money for mining - they look at Oz compared to what is on offer in Europe and they just shake their heads --
Europe is - Europe. And Walkabout Creek is Walkabout Creek, and that will never change unless Oz has a total cultural change and a vastly different attitude.
There are the odd stars shining in Oz in research - and very exciting stuff - when Oz does it - it does it differently and well ---------- but, they are just way too few and they aren't backed by the nation
I believe we've lost it - lost the race in the last decades and I don't believe we can catch up without an extraordinary amount of luck - but, if we want to try - there's one place to begin - and it requires other parts of a puzzle as well
the place to begin is Education and research ----------- classical ed and STEMS needs a monster injection - and maintenance program -
AND that all has to be part of a system - where new industries are actively seeded - so as to absorb what comes out of the Unis in the following years ----------- otherwise if we don't prep new industries - then, we'll again get a brain drain and a lot more taxi drivers
unfortunately - taxis will be kaput soon - and there's only so many pizza delivery people needed
the tragedy from my pov - is that Ozzies are different, they think differently - and if you have an idea - then Ozzies can often make it work where others can't -
what an advantage ------------- yet ---------- we totally wasted it.
I can't see Labor making enough changes to make a difference - without a lot of luck (maybe hit the Quantum target - that'd be good)
and I certainly can't see Duddo's mob having anything bar fails - that's their record - do nothing and when you do - it's a major fu
