Tripartism and scientific merit

Abstract

The Industry Commission, in its draft report, is critical of the tripartite processes by which Worksafe makes decisions on research grant applications. It suggests that decisions should be made on the basis of scientific merit alone. It believes that tripartism leaves the way open for improper political influence. This paper disputes the Industry Commission view. It argues that research, regardless of its scientific merits, is always value-laden; that it is proper to take these values into account in coming to funding decisions; and that a tripartite forum is the best way to do this. The article demonstrates this in the context of the debate about a particular application, concerning research on mineral sands radiation, which was rejected by Worksafe. Show more