NEWS RELEASE

EMBARGOED :  NOT FOR RELEASE BEFORE 11.00 AM. E.S.T. SUNDAY AUGUST 8, 1976

STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR SCIENCE,  SENATOR JAMES WEBSTER, LEADER  OF THE NATIONAL COUNTRY PARTY IN THE SENATE. Â·

(Extract of Address to State Executive,  National Country Party of  Aust (S.A.) Port Lincoln, Sunday August 8)

CHALLENGING DECADE

There will be no greater influence on the lives of Australians

in the next ten years than that influence of science.

Australian scientists today, as never before, are on the threshold  of new discoveries.  .  ,

Whether it be the "Viking" mission to Mars or development of

atomic engery for human benefits,  Australian scientists are  making significant contributions.

Science is one of the least recognised areas of Australian  Government activity. .

Yet through Federal,  State and Local Government,  science yearly  helps to improve the living standards of Australians.

Australia's C.S.I.R.O. currently is involved in solar energy

research and its use to assist national energy needs.

Its scientists are looking to the use of solar energy,  from  many aspects.

Apart from direct solar ray energy they are examining photosynthesis  - which is storage of solar energy in plants.

Other practical day-to-day scientific research currently centres  on such practical programs for future national development as  wastage disposals from our towns and cities.

This waste will provide usages long overlooked.

Among those usages are fill, building material, and power for Â· industry from waste gasses.

ENDS.

R 8876/8

