Australia has always punched above its weight with innovation

OUR great country has proven time and again that our know-how should not be scoffed at — and the news that we will have wiped out a deadly form of cancer within two decades shows exactly what we’re made of, writes The Editor.

TOO often in this nation we doubt our own expertise and ingenuity and assume bigger countries should take the lead.

That is frequently the case when it comes to medical and scientific endeavours.

These pursuits are regularly written off as a waste of time and money because Australian investment in research is but a fraction of the big money being spent elsewhere.

However, this view ignores the fact that we have been punching above our weight when it comes to world-changing inventions for generations.

Among our best known breakthroughs were the black box flight recorder, the electronic pacemaker, cochlear implants, the ultrasound scanner, Wi-Fi, and the winged keel.

We have proven to the world time and again that Australian know-how should not be scoffed at.

The ultrasound scanner was invented in Australia. Picture: Tony Lewis

We should honour the can-do spirit behind these remarkable creations and protect it vehemently from the cultural belittlement that is indulged in by the ignorant.

One invention that certainly deserves to be venerated regularly is the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine.

Developed right here in Queensland in 2006 by Professor Ian Frazer, the vaccine known as Gardasil is protecting tens of millions of women against the different strains of human papillomavirus.

This is the virus that causes most cervical cancers.

Because of Professor Frazer and his team, Australia is on track to all but eliminate this disease.

While a continued commitment to a high quality vaccination and screening regimen will be required, the NSW Cancer Council has found cervical cancer rates will almost halve to less than four new cases per 100,000 women annually by 2035.

Professor Frazer said the result demonstrated both the value of medical research as well as co-operation between scientists.

Scientist David Warren invented the 'black box' flight data recorder.

“While we contributed one critical bit to the story, the vaccine was truly a product of collaboration between many scientists globally,” he said.

This is a crucial point by the University of Queensland-based professor.

Australia will never be able to outspend bigger nations on research and nor should we seek to.

However, our experts can be part of the global narrative when it comes to cooperative breakthroughs.

The alternative would be to allow other nations to cherry pick our best and brightest while dissuading our brilliant young people from putting their minds to such pursuits.

This is insular approach, championed by those who prefer to disparage rather than praise their own nation, would be an unacceptable outcome.

It would rearrange our national culture towards one with a more narrow-minded focus and deny the world the same smarts behind so many success stories.

Not only should we reject the view that we should retreat from research and leave it to others.

We should find ways to better celebrate those citizens that have changed the world.

If Australia can eradicate cervical cancer then it is time to start believing that this nation can do anything.

INGLIS MUST DO RIGHT BY SPORT

GREG Inglis has nobody to blame but himself for the NRL’s decision to suspend the Kangaroos captain for two matches.

The mercurial Maroon centre’s speeding and drink-driving charges are unacceptable from someone holding that venerated position.

However, the question remains whether Inglis should continue as captain once the suspension is served.

Ahead of NRL supremo Todd Greenberg’s announcement that Inglis would be axed from the New Zealand and Tonga matches, Australian selector Laurie Daley indicated the Maroon great should not continue as captain.

“Greg’s been a terrific leader for South Sydney and Queensland, but I don’t think you can have the Australian captain going DUI (driving under the influence),” he said.

However, while he apologised yesterday for his actions, Inglis insisted the decision over the Australian captaincy was “out of my hands now”.

This is simply not true. Inglis could have made the call at any moment after he was charged on Monday afternoon.

Greg Inglis speaks to the media following his suspension from two Kangaroos matches. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

Greenberg noted Inglis’ “exemplary record over a long period of time” and lauded him as one of the game’s great role models. An indigenous superstar, Inglis is not just a role model for kids, but for the many Australians who have battled mental health issues. However, being a role model requires making decisions not necessarily in your own interests, and Inglis shirked that job when the time came yesterday.

Some might argue that Inglis’ drink driving came the day after a night out and that would have made it difficult to ascertain if he were over the legal limit.

There will also be suggestions that the South Sydney veteran’s 0.085 blood alcohol content reading was a relatively low level, so losing the captaincy would be a high price for a small crime.

However, Inglis, who will appear in court on November 22, accepted the responsibility for being a role model held to high standard when he accepted the captaincy. By his own admission he has failed to meet those expectations.

While Inglis has been a great inspiration, handing him back the captaincy might not be for the good of the game.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Sam Weir, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us