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Below is a list of statements about Australia’s R&D system. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.
1. What should an integrated, sustainable, dynamic and impactful Australian R&D system look like?
A successful R&D system must:
• Be regionally informed and producer-driven, incorporating local priorities through mechanisms like Regional Beef Research Committees (RBRC).
• Provide consistent, long-term funding to avoid premature project termination (e.g., short timeframes limiting the value of pasture legume trials in the NT).
• Include collaborative pathways between government, industry, and academia.
• Enable translation and adoption through targeted extension activities such as Beef Up Forums and field days.
• Leverage existing infrastructure, such as regional research stations, ensuring they are funded, protected from budget cuts, and resourced with local staff.
• Have inbuilt flexibility of delivery to account for regional and remote outcomes.
2. What government, university and business policy settings inhibit R&D and innovation? Why?
• Short-term funding cycles reduce the impact of long-term agricultural projects.
• Inconsistent recognition of industry expertise: RBRCs report that some policy consultations (e.g., priority setting processes) felt dismissive of producer input.
• Lack of northern focus: A disproportionate share of R&D investment is directed toward southern systems, despite northern Australia’s critical role in beef production.
• Carbon policy uncertainty and poor communication of expectations hinder investment in innovation aligned to sustainability.
3. What do we need to do to build a national culture of innovation excellence, and engage the public focus on success in R&D and innovation as a key national priority?
• Decentralise research capacity: Fund more on-ground researchers based in regions like the Barkly, Pilbara, and NT.
• Strengthen partnerships with local committees to ensure research is co-designed with producers.
• Foster cross-sectoral collaboration—e.g., using water infrastructure research from gas field by-products to inform irrigation practices.
4. What types of funding sources, models and/or infrastructure are currently missing or should be expanded for Australian R&D?
• Co-investment models that allow producers and supply chain actors to directly invest in R&D priorities.
• Expanded support for producer demonstration sites (PDS), such as those cited in the Rain Ready Rangelands and Calf Alive programs.
• Bespoke solutions that are adaptable.
5. What changes are needed to enhance the role of research institutions and businesses (including startups, small businesses, medium businesses and large organisations) in Australia’s R&D system?
• Decentralise research capacity: Fund more on-ground researchers based in regions like the Barkly, Pilbara, and NT.
• Strengthen partnerships with local committees to ensure research is co-designed with producers.
• Foster cross-sectoral collaboration—e.g., using water infrastructure research from gas field by-products to inform irrigation practices.
6. How should Australia support basic or ‘discovery’ research?
• Protect long-term projects from political or financial volatility, particularly those in genetics, reproductive performance, or disease control.
• Fund research infrastructure maintenance (e.g., Arid Zone Research Institute) to avoid closures or service reductions in remote areas.
• Link discovery research more clearly to adoption pathways through end-user engagement at the design phase.
7. What should we do to attract, develop and retain an R&D workforce suitable for Australia’s future needs?
• Increase investment in agricultural education pathways, internships, and cadetships linked to regional areas.
• Provide longer-term roles for extension officers and researchers in rural Australia to build trust and continuity.
• Incentivise local employment in RD&A projects through wage subsidies or housing assistance.
8. How can First Nations knowledge and leadership be elevated throughout Australia’s R&D system?
• Involve Traditional Owners in land management, biodiversity, and pasture diversity research.
• Fund Indigenous-led PDS projects and governance structures that incorporate First Nations leadership into priority-setting.
• Seek direct feedback and incorporate traditional knowledge into scope of works.
9. What incentives do business leaders need to recognise the value of R&D investment, and to build R&D activities in Australia?
• Enhanced tax incentives for R&D, particularly for small to medium enterprises.
• Government support for regional innovation hubs to connect business with science and producers.
• Regionally specific programs tailored to remote and regional agriculture outcomes.
10. What should be measured to assess the value and impact of R&D investments?
• Adoption rates of key technologies and practices (e.g., pain relief uptake, pasture improvement).
• Return on investment through productivity, animal welfare, environmental outcomes, and profitability.
• Level of producer engagement in design, evaluation, and extension activities.
• Contribution to national priorities including food security, climate resilience, and regional prosperity.
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Submission to the Strategic Examination of Australia’s Research and Development (R&D) System
North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC)
Overview of NABRC
The North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC) is a producer-led body that coordinates beef research, development, and adoption (RD&A) priorities across northern Australia through a network of Regional Beef Research Committees (RBRCs). These committees ensure that RD&A investments are aligned with industry needs, regional challenges, and national productivity objectives. Covering half the Australian continent and representing producers managing tens of millions of hectares, NABRC is uniquely positioned to provide grassroots insight into the practical challenges and opportunities for enhancing Australia's R&D system.
1. What should an integrated, sustainable, dynamic and impactful Australian R&D system look like?
A successful R&D system must:
Be regionally informed and producer-driven, incorporating local priorities through mechanisms like Regional Beef Research Committees (RBRC).
Provide consistent, long-term funding to avoid premature project termination (e.g., short timeframes limiting the value of pasture legume trials in the NT).
Include collaborative pathways between government, industry, and academia.
Enable translation and adoption through targeted extension activities such as Beef Up Forums and field days.
Leverage existing infrastructure, such as regional research stations, ensuring they are funded, protected from budget cuts, and resourced with local staff.
Have inbuilt flexibility of delivery to account for regional and remote outcomes.
2. What policy settings inhibit R&D and innovation, and why?
Short-term funding cycles reduce the impact of long-term agricultural projects.
Inconsistent recognition of industry expertise: RBRCs report that some policy consultations (e.g., priority setting processes) felt dismissive of producer input.
Lack of northern focus: A disproportionate share of R&D investment is directed toward southern systems, despite northern Australia’s critical role in beef production.
Carbon policy uncertainty and poor communication of expectations hinder investment in innovation aligned to sustainability.
3. How do we build a national culture of innovation excellence?
Promote producer-led success stories and breakthroughs in animal health, pasture management, and sustainable grazing.
Embed R&D communications in formats suitable for remote areas (e.g., podcasts, radio, SMS-based updates).
Increase public awareness of Australia’s agricultural innovation successes and their national impact (e.g., through public campaigns and education).
Clear milestone delivery outcomes.
4. What funding sources/models/infrastructure are missing or should be expanded?
Co-investment models that allow producers and supply chain actors to directly invest in R&D priorities.
Expanded support for producer demonstration sites (PDS), such as those cited in the Rain Ready Rangelands and Calf Alive programs.
Bespoke solutions that are adaptable.
5. What changes are needed to enhance the role of research institutions and businesses?
Decentralise research capacity: Fund more on-ground researchers based in regions like the Barkly, Pilbara, and NT.
Strengthen partnerships with local committees to ensure research is co-designed with producers.
Foster cross-sectoral collaboration—e.g., using water infrastructure research from gas field by-products to inform irrigation practices.
6. How should Australia support basic or ‘discovery’ research?
Protect long-term projects from political or financial volatility, particularly those in genetics, reproductive performance, or disease control.
Fund research infrastructure maintenance (e.g., Arid Zone Research Institute) to avoid closures or service reductions in remote areas.
Link discovery research more clearly to adoption pathways through end-user engagement at the design phase.
7. How do we attract, develop, and retain an R&D workforce?
Increase investment in agricultural education pathways, internships, and cadetships linked to regional areas.
Provide longer-term roles for extension officers and researchers in rural Australia to build trust and continuity.
Incentivise local employment in RD&A projects through wage subsidies or housing assistance.
8. How can First Nations knowledge and leadership be elevated?
Involve Traditional Owners in land management, biodiversity, and pasture diversity research.
Fund Indigenous-led PDS projects and governance structures that incorporate First Nations leadership into priority-setting.
Seek direct feedback and incorporate traditional knowledge into scope of works.
9. What incentives do business leaders need?
Enhanced tax incentives for R&D, particularly for small to medium enterprises.
Government support for regional innovation hubs to connect business with science and producers.
Regionally specific programs tailored to remote and regional agriculture outcomes.
10. What should be measured to assess the value and impact of R&D investments?
Adoption rates of key technologies and practices (e.g., pain relief uptake, pasture improvement).
Return on investment through productivity, animal welfare, environmental outcomes, and profitability.
Level of producer engagement in design, evaluation, and extension activities.
Contribution to national priorities including food security, climate resilience, and regional prosperity.
NABRC are available to discuss these or any other R & D matters in greater detail. Please contact our Chairperson Paul Burke on 0479 051 440.
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