2004 benchmarks. The 2004 national benchmark results for Years 3, 5 and 7 have been released by MCEETYA. The results show that there has been an improvement in reading performance by Indigenous students at all the year levels examined, over past benchmarks in 1999 and 2001. The benchmarks also show that more girls reach benchmark levels than boys and children in metropolitan schools perform better than those from regional areas. (Reading, Writing and Numeracy Benchmark Results for 2004; National Report on Schooling in Australia 2004; Most students hit the mark for literacy and numeracy; Young miss book mark but turn leaf later on.)

Science & innovation. The federal government has asked the Productivity Commission to perform research investigating public support for science and innovation. In response, the AVCC has suggested that all spending (both public and private) on research and development reach 2% of GDP by 2010 so that Australia can remain internationally competitive. [The AVCC has an interesting graph of R&D investment as percentage of GDP since 1999.] (AVCC welcomes support for Australia's research and Innovation; Productivity Commission to Review Public Support for Science and Innovation; Science and Innovation - Productivity Commission Commissioned Study.)

Graduate skills. The Business Council of Australia has suggested that universities are producing students that lack essential industry skills, including communication and problem-solving skills, as well as creativity and initiative. In contrast, the vice-chancellor of Macquarie University, Steven Shwartz, has argued that universities do not exist simply to provide students the skills they need in industry. He argues that the main purpose of universities is to "advance the cause of freedom and liberty in Australia", by giving students the opportunity to participate in clubs, politics and sport, allowing students to choose the way they will live and by encouraging diversity. (New Focus Needed on Business Innovation; Graduates 'lacking
job skills'; Priority one: universities must teach free thought.)