Not since 1931, and for six weeks during World War II, has an Australian government been without a minister with science in their portfolio title. Under the incoming Abbott government the minister for industry, Ian MacFarlane, will be responsible for some areas of science including the main scientific organisation, the CSIRO.

The Australian Academy of Science's Les Field was disappointed Mr Abbott had not appointed a science minister and hoped one would be announced in the coming days.

''A scientifically literate society is a society which is equipped to hold informed debate and make intelligent decisions about big issues that affect us all,'' said Professor Field, the academy's secretary for science policy.

The head of Science and Technology Australia, Catriona Jackson, said scientists were confused by the absence of a science minister. ''Science and technology are central to virtually everything government does, from industry to universities to agriculture to health to creating the kind of jobs that will ensure a prosperous future,'' she said.

But several leading scientists, including Nobel prize-winning physicist Brian Schmidt and eminent immunologist Sir Gustav Nossal, were reluctant to judge the new set-up until details were released.

Professor Schmidt said he did not mind if the government was trying to simplify its portfolio titles as long as the minister in charge of science had passion and influence.

But he warned that if science was not a government priority the country would be left behind.

Sir Gustav was keen to see the government continue to support the main science organisations, including the CSIRO, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and Defence Science and Technology Organisation. ''I don't think the name is that essential,'' he said.