Abstract

This chapter on STEM policy in Australia reveals that compared to the rest of the members of the OECD, it has been slow to adopt a national STEM strategy. The push for STEM in Australia came from the country’s independent advisor, the Chief Scientist, using a neo-liberal agenda to present a case for STEM. As the origins of STEM in Australia emanated from the Chief Scientist’s Office, the literature has initially been centred on science, and to a lesser degree mathematics outcomes; however, the tide is slowly turning to be more inclusive of the other STEM disciplines.