Research Assistants in the Clever Country

In this paper, we outline some of the problems facing research workers in Australian universities, with an emphasis on research assistants, the lowest classification of paid research worker. It is concluded that, while conditions have improved slightly since 1978, research assistants are still among the most marginalised public sector employees, and subjected to employment conditions which should be considered unacceptable in a society which values the benefits accruing from research activities.