Senior leaders from the Innovative Research Universities group meet in Cairns tomorrow to spend two days discussing, what else, but innovation. Colin Stirling (Flinders VC) will talk on “innovation in action,” consultant Stephen Scott Johnson will address “shaping an innovation culture” with state and federal officials outlining “partnering for innovation.” There’s more, but you get the idea. Labor assistant shadow minister for universities Terri Butler will explain Labor’s support for innovative universities, with no matching contribution from the government. With the Birmingham bill expected back in the Senate next week perhaps Cairns is a workday too far away for ministers and officials.