Dr. Ruth Freeman:

There are probably two different issues. Professor Nolan mentioned this. If only a certain cohort of people become involved in research, it is the questions of most relevance to them that will be researched. That is one aspect. A big driver behind Creating Our Future was going out and asking a broad range of people what was important to them in order that we can inspire and deliver research in those areas. We worked with a large number of groups. We had an advisory forum that crossed all sections of society, including groups representing those with disabilities. One element we are trying to build on is how we make sure that questions of relevance to different communities are researched.

On supporting researchers with disabilities, particularly those with significant disabilities, to do research, we are working with bodies such as the national disabled postgraduates union. We have already brought in policies where we will pay additional costs for those researchers, if they need supports while they are delivering a project with us, whether that is additional personal assistant support or, if they are travelling to conferences, they may need modified work stations. We are putting that in place with the institutions at present so we enable broad participation. We are trying to address the issue from those two angles. However, I agree with the Senator that there is more to be done.