A strong national science-policy system is one in which policymakers have easy access to the best scientific knowledge and expertise, and the capacity and resources to effectively interpret that knowledge to enable evidence-informed decision-making in government. Ensuring that Australia’s science-policy system is maintained and enhanced is crucial to Australia’s prosperity in both the short and long term. Harnessing science for policy can help the Australian government understand and seize the potential of emerging technologies, deliver on international commitments (for example, environment or human rights), and respond to emergencies such as COVID-19. But, in a time of social, economic and environmental challenges, technological change, and global political uncertainty, are we building the science-policy system we need?