Science on the campaign trail, AustraIian Academy of Science, May 2025

There is a lot said during an election campaign – and much of it highlights why science matters.

In the 2025 election, we’re outlining on social media how so many campaign remarks and election commitments rely on science. Politicians talk about and rely on science every day, they just use different words.

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The Academy’s election focus

Find out about the Academy’s proposal for a 10-year plan to meet Australia’s future supercomputing needs.

The future of generative AI

On the campaign trail, Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

The biggest transformation, perhaps, that’s happening since the industrial revolution is going on now is the transformation to a clean energy, net zero economy by 2050.

Science is re-imagining how we source and use energy – from green steel to solar breakthroughs – laying the path to net zero. A cleaner energy future built on Australian smarts.

The future of generative AI

Senator Jacquie Lambie commented on the power of artificial intelligence while on the campaign trail, after hearing her own AI-generated voice clone.

Powered by decades of science, from computing and mathematics to neuroscience and linguistics, generative AI could add up to $115 billion a year to Australia’s economy by 2030.

Science solutions to invasive species

On the campaign trail, David Pocock, Independent Senator for the ACT, highlighted the cost of invasive species and the potential of gene editing solutions.

Australian researchers are using powerful gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, which draw on core scientific ideas from molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology to combat Australia’s invasive species crises.

Defence systems of the future

The Hon Andrew Hastie MP, Shadow Minister for Defence, said:

We are facing the most dangerous strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War.

Science is helping build the defence systems of the future – like the ‘Ghost Shark’, a new underwater drone designed to patrol Australia’s oceans, gather intelligence, and spot threats before they reach us.

A strong STEM education pipeline benefits Australia

The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry & Science, spoke in support of STEM education for Australia’s future.

Australia’s research workforce contributes $185 billion per year to the economy and supports 1.2 million jobs. A robust, diverse and equitable STEM education pipeline is essential to enabling and growing this critical element of the economy.

Evidence-informed climate policy

On the campaign trail, Opposition Leader The Hon Peter Dutton MP said:

I don’t know because I’m not a scientist and I can’t tell you whether the temperature has risen in Thargomindah because of climate change or the water levels are up.

Scientific research on global temperature trends, greenhouse gas emissions, and shifting weather patterns ensures governments can confidently make climate policy decisions informed by the best available scientific evidence.

Good nutrition for Australian kids

Mr Max Chandler-Mather MP noted the impact of quality nutrition on children’s learning on the campaign trail.

Australian nutrition science has shown that what kids eat can shape how they think, behave and learn. Better diets support brain development, improve concentration in class, and strengthen the immune system.

Climate change impacts on housing

On the campaign trail, Senator Mehreen Faruqi discussed how climate change will impact homes.

Under some projected climate change scenarios, 1 in every 19 property owners face the prospect of insurance premiums that will be effectively unaffordable by 2030. Three degrees of global warming would make many more properties and businesses uninsurable.

The invention of an Australian icon

Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP confirmed that he’s a Vegemite fan on the campaign trail, after lobbying Canadian authorities to reverse an initial ruling that the spread did not meet local food regulations around vitamin fortification.

The invention of Vegemite over 100 years ago highlights Australia’s long history of innovation. After WWI disrupted Australian Marmite imports, chemist Cyril Callister developed the iconic spread using brewer’s yeast and vegetable extracts.

Robust information for emergency management

Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management, highlighted that good information is critical for responding to an emergency on the campaign trail.

Australia’s ability to predict extreme weather events and reduce our vulnerability relies on emergency management decisions grounded in high quality climate modelling and timely weather tracking.

Technological solutions for multiple crises

We already have solutions to big challenges facing our society, Greens Leader Adam Bandt said on the campaign trail.

Science and technology are helping Australians deal with major challenges like floods, rising housing costs, and climate change. From predicting disasters to building safer, more affordable homes, science is shaping a better future for all of us.

Safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef for the future

On the campaign trail, Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP called the Great Barrier Reef an economic powerhouse and an environmental asset.

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world, home to about 10 per cent of the world’s coral reef ecosystems. And Australian scientists are working hard to sustain it for future generations to enjoy – from creating new tools to spot early signs of coral bleaching to building the reef’s resilience to climate change.

Critical minerals – critical science

Critical minerals play a vital role in Australia’s export sector. Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP said his government plans to:

transform Australia into a major player in the global critical minerals market.

Australian science is the key to boosting the critical minerals industry and creating efficiencies. For example, techniques like remote sensing help detect mineral signatures under Australia’s surface without the need to dig.

Science nourishing food security

The Australian agriculture industry is the envy of the world. In the campaign trail, Opposition Leader The Hon Peter Dutton MP emphasised that as a small nation, our food production outweighs domestic need.

Australian science plays and will continue to play a significant role in this industry. Research into climate-resilient wheat, ‘green’ ammonia, and Omega-3 canola are some of the many ways science has contributed to nutritious products and sustainable farming practices.

Solar panels powered by science

Renewal energy is a hot topic in this election. Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

One in three Australian households now have solar – but only one in forty households have a battery.

Australian science brought you solar panels that power homes across Australia and keep electricity prices down. Now Australian science has revolutionised battery technology with Zinc-bromide batteries that are perfect for harsh climates in regional Australia. Even better: they can be recycled.

Australia’s biosecurity system – a global competitor

On the campaign trail, Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Opposition Leader The Hon Peter Dutton MP agreed that Australia’s biosecurity system is one of national significance and cannot be undermined or compromised.

This is not based on luck. Australia has one of the strongest biosecurity systems globally, and we have Australian science to thank for it.