Statement of Expectations August 2024

The Hon Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education

Reference: MS24-000553

Professor Peter Shergold AC
Chair
Australian Research Council Board
GPO Box 2702
CANBERRA ACT 2601

By email: boardchair@arc.gov.au

Dear Professor Shergold,

I am writing to welcome the new Board of the Australian Research Council (ARC), and to outline my priorities and expectations for the ARC in 2024 25 as it supports the pursuit of research for Australia's economic, social, environmental and cultural benefit.
The ARC plays a significant role in supporting, shaping and sustaining Australia's research landscape, and its effective operation is an important priority for me.

The appointment of the new ARC Board (the Board) represents an important milestone in the history of Australian research. I encourage the Board to provide stewardship of
Australia's research system through its leadership and advice, including on the matters I have outlined below.

Deliver on the Intent of the ARC Review (the Review)

The independent Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the led by
Professor Margaret Sheil AO, considered the and purpose of the ARC within the
Australian research system. I ask that the Board works closely with the Department of
Education to deliver on the intent of the Review and support a new era in Australia's
research system.

Appointment of a Substantive Chief Executive Officer

With Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) arrangements currently in place, the timely
appointment of a high calibre CEO will ensure the important work of the ARC can continue at high levels of effectiveness. I ask the Board to conduct an open, merit based process to find a suitably qualified candidate, who will work cohesively in support of the Board to achieve the renewed role and purpose of the ARC, as defined in the new Object of the Act.

In selecting the right candidate for appointment as CEO, the Board will need to be satisfied that the person has substantial experience or expertise, and professional credibility and significant standing, in one or more fields of research or in the management of research.

While responsibility for the appointment of the CEO rests with the Board, I ask that the Board provide to me the details of at least 2 possible candidates, as well as a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Board about those candidates, consistent with subsection 34(3) of the Act.

ARC Advisory Committee and ARC Indigenous Forum

The ongoing ARC Advisory Committee will assist the Board to determine priorities,
strategies and policies for the ARC. I see it as an important mechanism to ensure
engagement with the research community and industry.

I encourage the ARC to work closely with the department to provide me with advice about Advisory Committee appointments, so that it may support the Board as soon as practicable.
I note the ARC Indigenous Forum provide advice to the Board on matters relating to
supporting Indigenous research and Indigenous researchers.

Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program

In April 2024, the ARC and the department released the Terms of Reference and Discussion Paper for the Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). I ask that the Board consider the findings from the consultations held to date and undertake further work to provide a final report to me in the second half of 2024.

I consider this an opportunity to take a fresh look at the design of Australia's flagship
competitive research grants to ensure that the NCGP is strategic, targeted, well
designed, and to deliver tangible returns on public investment. I also ask the ARC to
work with the department to identify potential enhancements to designated research
programs, including the ARC Centres of Excellence, the Industrial Transformation Training Centres and the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs.

Government Response to the Australian Universities Accord

The Australian Universities Accord Final Report provided a blueprint for not only one Budget, but for transformational change to Australia's higher education system for the next decade and beyond. The ARC should work closely with the department as it implements the Government's response to the Accord.

In addition, the ARC should engage with and provide input to the Strategic Examination into Research and Development, reporting to myself, the Treasurer and the Minister for Industry and Science. It should also design a new approach for evaluating the excellence, impact and depth of Australian university research.

Collaboration

In undertaking its work, I encourage the Board to have particular regard to emerging research needs and innovation policy priorities, and the ARC's distinct place and contribution within the wider system of Government support for research. I urge the Board to foster a culture of consultation within and across government, industry, peak bodies and representative groups, as well as the broader research community. I also encourage the Board to consider how best to enhance academic career pathways, expand support for Indigenous research and researchers, and build collaborative and cross disciplinary research opportunities and knowledge translation with local, national and international partners.

This is an important time for the ARC and I look forward to working with the Board and the research sector to pursue better outcomes for the Australian community.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Clare
22/08/2024