Abstract
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Palaeoclimate research relevant to marine systems in
Australia includes the collection and analysis of: (a)
shallow-water and deep-sea corals, which provide highresolution
archives, (b) deep-sea sediment and ice cores,
which span longer time scales, and (c) palaeoclimate
modelling, which gives us insights into mechanisms,
dynamics and thresholds underlying past climate
states. Palaeoclimate research in Australia is mature
and well recognised internationally. To further advance
Australian palaeoclimate research, we must address
major challenges that include insufficient research vessel
access, insufficient targeted research funding, as well as
the lack of a well funded national centre to coordinate
research efforts (e.g. academic institution or ARC Centre
of Excellence for Palaeoclimate Research).