Current State

Relative to most developed countries and an increasing number of developing countries, Australia has been slow to recognise the essential role of culture collections of microorganisms as biological resources centres to underpin progress in the life sciences, industry, biotechnology, and education. Consequently, Australia has not developed a national policy to respond to international initiatives and therefore research effort and facilities lack coordination and access to adequate infrastructure funding sources.

Individually, Australian scientists have undertaken high quality research on microbial diversity and taxonomy and made significant discoveries in areas of national and international importance. However, progress would be enhanced by overcoming the fragmented approach and developing a national research focus which recognised the scientific value of endemic microbial resources. A number of culture collections have tried with limited resources and a low critical mass of curatorial scientists to fulfil the role of ex-situ conservation of microbial cultures, but lack the resources of comparative international facilities. The number of culture collections in Australia is declining as are staff numbers in the remaining collections. Thus access to information and cultures by researchers is impeded and affecting the research effort.

There is an urgent need to assist culture collections of microorganisms and genetic resources in Australia to meet international standards. It is essential that an accelerated research program on microbial diversity and its conservation as recommended in the National Strategy on the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity be commenced, and that a computer inventory and information network for the location of microorganisms and genetic resources be established. Australian culture collections lack the minimum critical staff numbers and resources to meet these objectives and to provide the services required by researchers and users in the science, biotechnology, and industry sectors. While the uniqueness and species richness of Australian flora and fauna has been recognized and studied thoroughly, the more extensive genetic and metabolic diversity of Australian microbial diversity has been largely unexplored. There is currently no adequate research funding mechanisms for the systematic and taxonomic study of microorganisms in Australia and this deficiency needs to be redressed. Considerable scientific and commercial benefits will be derived from a thorough study of Australia 's microorganisms.