Australia’s scientists and technologists congratulate the Labor Party on its successful re-election, and look forward to the Government building on the science, research, technology and innovation foundations it laid in the first term.While votes are still being counted and many seats are awaiting a final outcome, it’s clear that the Labor Party has been returned to Government.“Australia’s science community congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, and we look forward to working with them to continue putting STEM at the heart of a revitalised economy,” said STA CEO Ryan Winn.“The Government’s first term laid some important groundwork for the country’s future, including the Future Made in Australia program, National Reconstruction Fund, positive changes to the Australian Research Council Act, the refreshed National Science and Research Priorities, the Universities Accord, work on responsible AI and the Voluntary AI Safety Standard, and commenced the Strategic Examination of Research and Development.”“Now it’s time for the rubber to hit the road and for the Government to use all that crucial work to build and invest in the future the country wants and needs – a future powered by science and technology, and one where we’re on a path to spending 3% of GDP on R&D, not falling further behind our global competitors.”“We were pleased to see the Prime Minister repeatedly speak of his optimism for the future of the nation during the campaign. We share that optimism. That’s the future the nation’s STEM sector sees for Australia as well. And the way to get there is to lean into the nation’s science and tech expertise, to invest deeply in research and development, back our great innovators to help build an Australia powered by Australian ideas, and secure future jobs and prosperity.”“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the new Government and congratulate all the successful candidates across the political spectrum, in both the House and Senate.”