The senator says he wants to stop the “knuckle draggers”  

Labor research policy veteran Kim Carr stood down from the frontbench after the election and the Australian Academy of Science is sorry to see him go. The Academy’s council honoured the senator Wednesday night. Not that he is going far – as ministers will discover at the next Senate estimates.

And there is still science policy work he wants to do.

“Our research tells us that the public construct their opinions in the context of personal motivations, identity, cognitive biases, existing beliefs and social exchanges. That more information does not lead to more rational opinions and decisions. So, the answer is not better information, but emotional connection. These are, you might have noticed, challenges that are of concern to the scientist as much as the politician.

“I do not regard my task as complete. There is much to be done to ensure that the knuckle draggers don’t win, the senator said.

Senator Carr was in comradely company at the event – Academy CEO Anna-Maria Arabia was a principal advisor and director of policy for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, 2013-16.