Attached for your information is a copy of the Press Release I recently issued on New South Wales involvement in the Co-operative Research Centres Program.

As you will see, the Program is a Commonwealth initiative aimed at upgrading technology growth and development in relation to specific industry sectors such as those in thenatural sciences and engineering. Up to 50 Centres are intended to be established nationally over the next five years at a total cost of $200 million a year. commonwealth funding will be provided to a maximum of fifty per cent of the total cost of establishing and operating each Centre.

It is vital that every effort be made by New South Wales to gain maximum benefit from the Program's implementation. To facilitate proper co-ordination at State level, I have approved of the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Working Group, convened by the Science and Technology Council and comprising senior officers from key State Departments.

The primary task of the Working Group will be to identify funding proposals which are clearly alignedwith established State economic priorities and, to this end, worthy of endorsement to receive Commonwealth funds. The terms of referenceof the Working Group are:

1. Develop an agreed policy approach regarding the endorsement of New South Wales-sponsored projects;
2. Evaluate the actual resource requirements of each proposal and assess the Governments capacity to contribute to these requirements in cash or in kind; and
3. Act as a broker in bringing together appropriate groups to undertake co-operative projects and to assist in finalising funding proposals. I am mindful that the funding arrangements being contemplated by the Commonwealth may, in a number of cases, require the injection of matching funds from the State. Obviously, this is an issue which needs to be assessed in greater detail given the stringent budgetary outlook which faces the State.

I should be pleased if you could ensure the co-operation of your administration with the deliberations of the Working Group, should this be required. Mr. D. Ellyard of the Business and Consumer Affairs Agency (telephone 895 0540) is available to assist with any enquiries. I would appreciate your action to bring this matter to the attention of all bodies coming within your administration

Nick Greiner
Premier

Branch: JCA
Date: 20 July 1990

June 22, 1990

CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES PROGRAM

New South Wales has positioned itself strongly to gain maximum benefit from a new national program to upgrade research and
development, Premier Nick Greiner said today.

Mr Greiner said the Co-operative Research Centres (CRS) Program is a significant opportunity for NSW to enhance its research and development base and its support for the development of world competitive industries in the State.

At a series of meetings held in Parliament House today, Professor Ralph Slayter, the architect of the CRC Program, briefed chiefs of leading public and private organisations undertaking research in NSW.

Under the CRC Program up to 50 Co-operative Research Centres will be established over the next five years at a total cost of
$200 million a year.

Commonwealth funding to a maximum of fifty per cent of the total cost of establishing and operating each centre will be provided.

The research carried out by the centres will assist in improving the competitiveness of industry, enhance our overall quality
research base, and strengthen links between government research organisations and the private sector.

Each centre must have a Higher Education institution as a partner

The NSW Science and Technology Council, which operates as part of the Business and Consumer Affairs portfolio, is convening a working group of senior officers from key Government Departments to evaluate the resource requirements for projects and assist in the preparation of proposals.

Mr Greiner said: "It is important that groups preparing for CRC funding contact the State Government so that we can consider the need and scope for appropriate support.

"I join the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, Mr Gerry Peacocke, in applauding this initiative to increase technology
growth and development throughout NSW."