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Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Young Australian engineer takes out top APEC science prize (Media Releases)
15 August 2018
An Australian researcher whose engineering work has led to the development of "electronic skin" that monitors the environment and human body, has been the second Australian to win the internationally renowned ASPIRE award.
Search begins for Australia's new superstars of STEM (Media Releases)
15 August 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja
Sixty new ambassadors will be selected to inspire more young women and girls to study, work, and to promote gender equity in STEM.
STEM grants open for inspiring students (Media Releases)
14 August 2018
From creating robots to attending space camps and events such as the International Science and Engineering Fair, students now have the chance to live their science dreams.
Investment in Queensland start-up to deliver new treatment options (Media Releases)
14 August 2018
The Turnbull Government will support a world-leading laboratory in Northern Australia to develop a new treatment for people who have inflammatory bowel disease.
Launching National Science Week 2018: celebrating science (Media Releases)
9 August 2018
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.
Cyber Security comes to the classroom (Media Releases)
3 August 2018
Over 1000 students across the country will soon benefit from streamlined training in digital technologies as part of the Coalition Government’s investment in the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (AustCyber).
Reaping the benefits of the new internet (Media Releases)
2 August 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Minister for Small and Family Business, Workplace and Deregulation, the Hon Craig Laundy MP
Melbourne-based company YBF Ventures will use a $500,000 Australian Government grant to expand its innovation hub in support of Australian start-ups developing Web 3.0 technology.
AFR Innovation Summit speech (Speeches)
30 July 2018
The Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, gave a speech at the AFR Innovation Summit in sydney
Grant to cut mineral processing costs (Media Releases)
27 July 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja
The Turnbull Government is investing in a Perth based project designed to reduce the erosion and corrosion problems in the processing of minerals, saving the minerals industry millions of dollars.
Igniting collaboration on mining sector projects (Media Releases)
26 July 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and Minister for Resources and Northen Australia, Senator the Hon Matt Canavan and the Hon George Christensen, Federal Member for Dawson
An underground simulator designed to make it quicker and easier for people to train for a job in the mining industry is one of four recipients of Australian Government investment under its Industry Growth Centre Initiative.
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The Hon Craig Laundy MP
Investment in Queensland start-up to deliver new treatment options (Media Releases)
14 August 2018
The Turnbull Government will support a world-leading laboratory in Northern Australia to develop a new treatment for people who have inflammatory bowel disease.
Building Ministers work towards a better, safer future (Media Releases)
13 August 2018
Australia’s Building Ministers have agreed to develop an implementation plan for reforms aimed at ensuring the safety of the building and construction sector.
Reaping the benefits of the new internet (Media Releases)
2 August 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Minister for Small and Family Business, Workplace and Deregulation, the Hon Craig Laundy MP
Melbourne-based company YBF Ventures will use a $500,000 Australian Government grant to expand its innovation hub in support of Australian start-ups developing Web 3.0 technology.
Taking products to market with $3.5 million in Government funding (Media Releases)
30 July 2018
Eleven businesses across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have been offered $3.5 million of Accelerating Commercialisation (AC) funding, bringing them closer to launching their innovations in local and international markets.
Funding boost to help start-ups in Western Sydney (Media Releases)
24 July 2018
A program to encourage and support start-up activity in Western Sydney has received funding from the Australian Government’s Incubator Support initiative.
$22 million for early-stage health and medical research (Media Releases)
13 July 2018
The Turnbull Government will invest more than $22 million to help Australian businesses move from early-stage health and medical research discoveries to commercial success, giving patients access to better treatments and medicines.
Starting or growing a business starts here (Media Releases)
29 June 2018
The Turnbull Government has today officially launched the Business Registration Service providing a simpler and clearer way to register a business.
Investing $3.2m in Australian businesses (Media Releases)
26 June 2018
An Australian company making a revolutionary material claimed to be 100 times stronger than steel has been granted Government funding to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Melbourne.
Bega Valley to benefit from Innovation Hub (Media Releases)
21 June 2018
The Turnbull Government will attract new start-up businesses and offer opportunities for existing businesses to grow in the Bega Valley through a new partnership with the University of Wollongong.
Small businesses to get big help bulldozing red tape (Media Releases)
18 June 2018
Commonwealth Minister for Small Business Craig Laundy, Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet have announced a significant scaling up of the NSW Government’s award-winning Easy to do Business program, which provides small businesses with one front door to Government.
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Senator the Hon Zed Seselja
Search begins for Australia's new superstars of STEM (Media Releases)
15 August 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja
Sixty new ambassadors will be selected to inspire more young women and girls to study, work, and to promote gender equity in STEM.
Titan joins forces against disease (Media Releases)
9 August 2018
One of the world’s most powerful microscopes for biological research was launched today at Lucas Heights by the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja.
Australian Government funding boost for Kakadu plums (Media Releases)
8 August 2018
A project to expand the Kakadu plum industry in Northern Australia has received a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government.
Grants available to foster industry-led research and collaboration (Media Releases)
3 August 2018
Grants of up to $3 million to help Australian businesses and research organisations to work together on projects to develop new products, services or processes are now open to applications.
Helping Australian farmers with innovative soil management solutions (Media Releases)
2 August 2018
Australian farmers are getting the practical knowledge and tools they need to make decisions about complex soil management issues.
Grant to cut mineral processing costs (Media Releases)
27 July 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja
The Turnbull Government is investing in a Perth based project designed to reduce the erosion and corrosion problems in the processing of minerals, saving the minerals industry millions of dollars.
Brisbane researchers lead high-tech products (Media Releases)
25 July 2018
Predicting treatment responses in cancer patients and using artificial intelligence to ensure accurate radiology reporting are on track to become a reality with the assistance of Commonwealth funding, announced Assistant Minster for Science, Jobs and Innovation, Zed Seselja, and Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, today.
Research to benefit tropical agriculture (Media Releases)
25 July 2018
Farmers who grow some of Australia’s favourite foods will benefit from Commonwealth funding for research into eco-friendly fertiliser technology announced today.
Ministers seeking clever research projects for Northern Australia (Media Releases)
23 July 2018
Joint media release with the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan, and the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja
Businesses and researchers have been encouraged to take part in the latest round of funding designed to boost economic activity in Northern Australia.
Sovereign launch research set to take off (Media Releases)
20 July 2018
Launching satellites could soon become a reality in Australia with Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, Zed Seselja, today announcing Government support for Australian based research into rocket propulsion technology.
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Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO
Media statement from Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash (Media Releases)
19 December 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
I am honoured the Prime Minster has today appointed me to the new portfolio of Minister for Jobs and Innovation.
Media statement from Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO (Media Releases)
19 December 2017
As is well known publicly, I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer. The prognosis is excellent. Over the coming months, my priority must be to complete my treatment and regain full health.
Boosting critical supercomputing research infrastructure (Media Releases)
18 December 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
The Turnbull Government will deliver $70 million to the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) High Performance Computing (HPC) facility to replace its supercomputer.
$16.4 million on offer for manufacturers in South Australia and Victoria (Media Releases)
15 December 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Eligible manufacturing firms in Victoria and South Australia are encouraged to apply for the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund’s (AMGF) second grants round, now open.
Increasing community STEM participation (Media Releases)
12 December 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Community and youth participation in STEM activities across Victoria is set to rise thanks to an injection of funds from the Australian Government.
Innovation is driving Australia's future (Media Releases)
7 December 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Today marks two years since the Prime Minister launched the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), setting a vision for Australia as a world leader in innovation.
$4.8m for projects to boost innovation and sustainability of resources sector (Media Releases)
29 November 2017
Eight projects that will boost cross-industry innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the resources sector will receive $4.8 million in funding through the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centres Initiative.
Launch of Innovation Week (Media Releases)
13 November 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, has welcomed the launch of Innovation Week, encouraging all Australians to back their ideas.
Project gives Queensland graziers an alternative market for beef (Media Releases)
8 November 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
A new project in the town of Hughenden, Queensland, granted Major Project Status by the Australian Government today, is estimated to provide over 300 jobs and provide graziers with an alternative path to market for their cattle.
Backing innovation to create jobs of the future (Media Releases)
30 October 2017
Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Companies developing new ways to diagnose cancer, next generation WiFi chips and quantum computing firmware are among the first to receive investment from Main Sequence Ventures, manager of the $200 million CSIRO Innovation Fund.
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The Hon Craig Laundy MP
CSIRO flicks the 'ON' switch to fast track emerging technologies (Media Releases)
8 December 2017
A detection system to keep prawns safe from pests, a smarter smaller wind turbine and wearable tech that can screen for gut disorders are some of the emerging technologies that will be fast-tracked though the next round of Australia’s national sci-tech accelerator, ‘ON, powered by CSIRO’.
Dialogue to bolster Australia-US business and research links (Media Releases)
6 December 2017
The Australian Government has signed an agreement with the United States Council on Competitiveness that supports efforts to strengthen business and research links between both nations.
$33 million for CRC Projects to tackle diverse industry problems (Media Releases)
6 December 2017
Better barramundi breeding, disease resistant bananas, a portable brain scanner for early stroke detection and a process to turn waste plastics into spectacle frames are amongst 15 highly diverse industry-led projects to receive a $33 million investment from the Australian Government.
State of the (Innovation) Nation (Media Releases)
6 December 2017
There are more than 10,000 high-growth firms in Australia at any given time and these firms make a disproportionate contribution to the country’s jobs and growth, according to an Australian Government report released today.
Funding clears pathway to market for Australian businesses (Media Releases)
30 November 2017
A business using drones to measure crop health and a company making website security solutions are among eight innovative Australian businesses being offered more than $3 million in Government funding to help get their ideas to market.
Funding to help Australian businesses succeed in the Asian Century (Media Releases)
24 November 2017
A Government initiative designed to equip Australian businesses and organisations with the attributes they need to succeed in the Asian Century has received another $9.58 million in funding.
Bouris taskforce to help digitise small business (Media Releases)
20 November 2017
The Turnbull Government has established a Small Business Digital Taskforce, to be headed by one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, Mark Bouris AM, to ensure more Australian small businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Measurement – it rules (Media Releases)
20 November 2017
A new national measurement policy statement announced today will touch on the lives of all Australians with benefits for consumers, business and industry alike.
Australian businesses should protect and enforce their intellectual property in China, says IP Australia (Media Releases)
16 November 2017
IP Australia has today released a guide for protecting intellectual property in China.
Business is the winner from government innovation (Media Releases)
15 November 2017
Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Craig Laundy MP, has congratulated IP Australia on winning the Silver Award at last night’s Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
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The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP
Honour for tropical health researcher reflects value of “hot north” funding (Media Releases)
25 October 2017
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Barnaby Joyce has congratulated a Darwin-based medical researcher who has won a prestigious science award.
Exploring for the future program delivers first results (Media Releases)
20 October 2017
The first dataset has been released from a range of surveys looking at the potential energy, mineral and groundwater resources in a relatively-unexplored region spanning the Northern Territory – Queensland border.
Coalition investing more than $6 billion in Northern Australia (Media Releases)
18 October 2017
The Coalition Government is investing more than $6 billion to ensure Northern Australia grows as a trade gateway to the Asia Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Barnaby Joyce said last night.
Exploration in the Great Australian Bight (Media Releases)
13 October 2017
On 12 October 2017, Chevron announced that it would not be progressing its exploration work program in the Great Australian Bight.
Rum Jungle rehabilitation planning (Media Releases)
5 October 2017
The Northern Territory and Australian Governments have signed an agreement to continue rehabilitation planning for the former Rum Jungle Mine Site, near Batchelor in the Northern Territory.
Stuart Smith reappointed as NOPSEMA CEO (Media Releases)
18 September 2017
Stuart Smith has been reappointed as Chief Executive Officer of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) for five years from 25 September 2017.
Investing in the future strength of the Australian resources sector (Media Releases)
2 September 2017
The Turnbull Government will commit $100 million to secure additional private investment in vital greenfield mineral exploration to drive the next wave of mineral discoveries crucial to the resources sector and the Australian economy.
Interview with ABC Darwin (Transcripts)
3 August 2017
The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Barnaby Joyce, was interviewed by ABC Darwin.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Interview with ABC Melbourne (Transcripts)
20 January 2017
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Greg Hunt spoke to Jon Faine at ABC Melbourne.
Turnbull Government secures jobs for Alcoa workers (Media Releases)
20 January 2017
The Turnbull Government welcomes the announcement today that the Alcoa Portland Aluminium Smelter will remain open into the next decade. This is great news for the workers at the Alcoa smelter and the community of Portland.
Interview with 3AW Drive (Transcripts)
20 January 2017
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Greg Hunt MP is interviewed on 3AW Drive.
Appointment as Minister for Health and Sport (Media Releases)
18 January 2017
Health touches the lives of every Australian. It is essential that people can see a doctor when they need to and have medicine when they are not well.
Joint statement regarding Portland smelter negotiations (Media Releases)
16 January 2017
Significant progress has been made over the weekend, with great demonstrations of good faith from all parties working to find a solution for the future of the Portland smelter.
Australian telescope project helps unlock history and secrets of the universe (Media Releases)
16 January 2017
One of the world’s most powerful radio telescopes, based in the Western Australian outback, has begun processing mind-boggling amounts of data which will help scientists explore the secrets and history of the Universe.
Interview with 2GB Morning Show (Transcripts)
6 January 2017
The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP was interviewed on the 2GB Morning Show
Australian scientists create time on New Year’s Day (Media Releases)
30 December 2016
One of the country’s leading research facilities will create time on New Year’s Day, keeping Australia in sync with the rest of the world.
Melbourne doorstop (Transcripts)
22 December 2016
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, interviewed about the opening of Ford’s Asia Pacific Product Development Centre at a doorstop interview in Melbourne.
Interview with 2GB Drive (Transcripts)
22 December 2016
The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, is interviewed on 2GB's Drive program.
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The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Oz Minerals announcement a welcome boost for Whyalla (Media Releases)
6 May 2016
The Federal Government welcomes today’s announcement by Oz Minerals of further investment in its proposed Carapateena copper project and in a Concentrate Treatment Plant at Whyalla.
New Singapore partnership creates opportunities for innovation (Media Releases)
6 May 2016
Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore will strengthen the relationship between the two countries, growing our scientific and innovation collaboration, as well as building defence and trade links.
$159,000 grant supports business growth and jobs in Geelong (Media Releases)
6 May 2016
Geelong’s Phoenix Fabrication and Welding Pty Ltd will receive a $159,091 grant to expand its manufacturing facilities and create seven new jobs in fabrication, sheet metal work and hydraulic fitting.
Start-up tax breaks passes Senate (Media Releases)
4 May 2016
Two new initiatives designed to make investment in Australian start-ups more attractive will be in place for the 2016-17 financial year after passing the Senate today.
Science in action to support our economy (Media Releases)
3 May 2016
The 2016-17 Budget will commit vital funding to support science in action which will in turn support Australia’s successfully transitioning economy.
Cleaning up Australia's waterways (Media Releases)
1 May 2016
The Australian Government will launch a nationally coordinated approach to eradicating Australia’s worst freshwater aquatic pest, the common carp, through a $15 million National Carp Control Plan contained in this year’s budget.
Innovators to land in Berlin (Media Releases)
27 April 2016
The Turnbull Government will establish a landing pad for Australian startups in Berlin, a leading source of global innovation and disruptive technology.
Welcoming CSIRO's climate announcement (Media Releases)
26 April 2016
CSIRO’s announcement of a new Climate Science Centre in Hobart, including guaranteed research capability for ten years, will help secure Australia’s capability to understand and project future climate.
New Deputy Chair strengthens the CSIRO Board (Media Releases)
22 April 2016
Ms Shirley In’t Veld, an experienced board director with broad energy sector knowledge, commerce and law background and extensive experience as a senior business manager, has been appointed as the new Deputy Chairperson on the CSIRO Board.
Exciting next step for quantum computing (Media Releases)
22 April 2016
In the race to build the world’s first super-powerful quantum computer, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne today opened a new cutting edge quantum computing lab at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
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The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP
Increasing transparency in the global resources sector (Media Releases)
6 May 2016
Australia will join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international standard for increased transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors.
Budget boosts resources innovation and investment (Media Releases)
3 May 2016
The resources sector continues to play an important role in our economy, representing around 10 per cent of Australia’s GDP and more than 50 per cent of our exports.
Site shortlisted for National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (Media Releases)
29 April 2016
After considering the feedback provided in the 120 day community consultation period that concluded in March, the Government has shortlisted the voluntarily nominated site in Barndioota, South Australia, as a possible site for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.
Roadmap launched to double manufacturing sector energy productivity (Media Releases)
27 April 2016
I welcome the launch of the ‘2xEP’ Manufacturing Sector Roadmap to double Australia’s energy productivity in manufacturing by 2030.
China and South Korea visit strengthens trade opportunities (Media Releases)
14 April 2016
Today I arrived in Shanghai for Australia Week in China 2016 (AWIC), to promote trade and investment opportunities in Australia’s resources and energy sectors with our largest trading partner.
AusTrade Investment Breakfast (Speeches)
13 April 2016
Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP addressed the AusTrade Investment Breakfast at the LNG18 Conference in Perth, Western Australia.
Australian's energy strength on show at LNG18 (Media Releases)
11 April 2016
This week I will join the Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, industry leaders and delegates from more than 95 countries in Perth for the 18th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG18).
Productivity increases reinforce positive outlook (Media Releases)
8 April 2016
The release of the Resources and Energy Quarterly by the Chief Economist of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science for the March quarter has again highlighted the positive outlook for Australia’s resources and energy sectors over the medium to long term.
Vehicle emissions consultation continues (Media Releases)
5 April 2016
The Australian Government has sought further industry views on tackling vehicle emissions during a stakeholder engagement session at today’s meeting of the Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions in Canberra.
Opportunities and challenges in Australia’s resources and energy sectors (Speeches)
22 March 2016
Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, addressed the Sydney Institute about the opportunities and challenges in Australia’s resources and energy sectors.
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The Hon Karen Andrews MP
Smart way ahead: STEM skills are about to get the government boost they deserve (Articles)
I have always been fascinated by how things work.
As a curious eight-year-old, I recall being captivated by the washing machine and how the agitator turned the same amount in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction every time.
To me, a fridge, a flight of stairs and a flashlight were not merely everyday conveniences; they were miracles of human ingenuity worthy of the most careful examination.
This natural inquisitiveness motivated me to study maths and science at school and later to enrol in mechanical engineering at university and pursue a career in this field.
My personal experiences have enabled me to understand how science, technology, engineering and mathematics, collectively known as STEM, can drive progress in our society and lead to immensely rewarding careers.
Advances in STEM and Australian ingenuity underpin much of our current prosperity. Lance Hill, for instance, developed the Hills hoist by tinkering in his backyard to make life easier for his family.
The creativity and enterprise of Australian scientists and innovators have also given the world the black box flight recorder, the bionic ear, Wi-Fi and long wearing contact lenses.
But our modern industrialised economy is challenged by disruptive technologies. This has meant that jobs requiring STEM skills grew 50 per cent faster than other jobs between 2006 and 2011, and this trend is set to continue, with three in every four jobs of the future needing STEM expertise.
Yet, despite the opportunities, employers are finding it hard to recruit people with these skills.
Demand for workers in information and communications technology doubled between 1999 and 2012 — but applications for tertiary ICT courses during that same period declined. At the same time, fewer young people are studying science, maths and computing at high school.
So it’s time to act. As part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda — the ideas boom — we are investing $84 million to boost digital literacy in our young people and encourage more students to study STEM-related subjects.
Online computing challenges for Year 5 and 7 students, digital upskilling programs for our teachers and initiatives like ICT summer schools for students in Years 9 and 10 are just some of the measures we will embark on.
We’re also going to inspire the next generation of STEM experts by introducing youth prizes in the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, engaging preschoolers with STEM-based apps and inspiring curiosity through events such as National Science Week.
Ultimately, students with STEM skills will have the power to change the world. Science, technology, engineering and maths will be at the heart of solving a broad range of challenges in a variety of areas, from health, space travel and renewable energy to language barriers, climate change and poverty.
Look at the power of STEM skills and the influence they’re already having. If you’re reading this on your tablet, laptop, desktop or smartphone, you are experiencing the power of science, technology, engineering and maths.
With hundreds of thousands of Australian school students preparing to start the new school year, this reminder of the importance of STEM skills couldn’t be more timely.
Who knows, the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs — or Lance Hills, for that matter — could be sitting in one of our classrooms.
We have an obligation to ensure these creative minds are given every opportunity possible to make their mark on Australia — and the globe.
Published in The Australian, 22 January 2016
Building Ministers' Forum Communique (Articles)
Building Ministers and their representatives recently came together on the Gold Coast to take part in the Building Ministers’ Forum, chaired by Assistant Minister for Science, Karen Andrews.
Ministers discussed a number of reforms to benefit the building industry and are exploring mechanisms to share vital information relating to building products.
The following communique was issued at the close of the Forum.
Building Ministers’ Forum
19 February 2016
Communiqué
The Building Ministers’ Forum recently met at the Gold Coast and progressed a number of significant reforms which will benefit the Australian building industry and the wider Australian community.
Ministers discussed a number of reforms to benefit the building industry and are exploring mechanisms to share vital information relating to building products.
Ministers agreed to work cooperatively to implement a range of measures to address safety issues associated with high risk building products. This work, to be undertaken by the Australian Building Codes Board, arose in response to the Lacrosse fire and is informed by the findings of the Victorian Building Authority’s External Wall Cladding Audit in Melbourne. In particular, Ministers agreed in principle that the Australian Building Codes Board will support measures to address the risks specifically associated with cladding used in high rise buildings.
In addition, Ministers requested that the Australian Building Codes Board further develop proposed additional actions to address the wider issue of non-compliant use of building products. Senior officials were tasked to undertake further work with the Australian Building Codes Board to review the National Construction Code related to high risk building products. A report on these matters will be provided to Ministers at the next Building Ministers’ Forum.
Ministers also agreed to the strategies set out in a report from senior officials from all jurisdictions, aimed at addressing the risks associated with non-conforming building products. This includes improving intergovernmental cooperation and enhancing industry and consumer awareness of non-conforming building products. Building Ministers accepted the offer from the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Border Protection with assistance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, to establish relevant information sharing between the Commonwealth, states and territories with a resolution to fast track and report within two months.
In principle support was also given for improvements to the regulatory framework to enhance the powers of building regulators to respond to instances of non-conforming building products, developing education strategies to better inform consumers and building industry participants and encourage greater responsibility in the safe use of building products.
The Building Ministers’ Forum will continue to take action and work collaboratively to ensure building practitioners have the right tools to comply with the National Construction Code and ensure Australians can continue to have confidence in the safety of buildings.
Making maths fun for Emerald students (Media Releases)
2 May 2016
Getting to grips with mathematics will be much more exciting for students in Queensland’s Central Highlands, with a set of interactive maths puzzles being gifted today to the Central Highlands Science Centre in Emerald.
New icebreaker a boost for Australian science (Media Releases)
29 April 2016
Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment in a new world-leading Antarctic icebreaker for Australia.
Sharing ideas the key to steel industry’s future (Media Releases)
20 April 2016
Knowledge sharing between nations is critical if the steel industry in Australia and around the world is to seize opportunities for growth and expansion in the future, according to Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews.
Steel symposium an opportunity to gain global insights (Media Releases)
13 April 2016
Global trends in steel manufacturing will be at the centre of the agenda when the Assistant Minister for Science, Karen Andrews, visits Brussels next week for the OECD Steel Symposium and Steel Committee meeting.
Key STEM stakeholders to discuss improving opportunities for women (Media Releases)
30 March 2016
Encouraging more girls and women to study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and go on to pursue high impact careers will be the focus of talks in Brisbane tomorrow (March 31).
Ideas Boom offers opportunity for Gold Coast (Media Releases)
16 March 2016
Businesses, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and universities are urged to attend an information session on the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) on the Gold Coast next Monday, 21 March.
Celebrating women in STEM (Media Releases)
8 March 2016
Marking International Women’s Day, Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews has acknowledged the contribution of Australian women to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Meeting of minds as Scientists and Politicians rub shoulders (Media Releases)
1 March 2016
Politicians and scientists will meet face-to-face in Canberra this week to improve the way science is communicated to Australia’s decision-makers and policy shapers.
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The Hon Wyatt Roy MP
Hacking the policy process (Articles)
Assistant Minister for Innovation, the Hon. Wyatt Roy MP, in conjunction with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and the startup accelerator Blue Chilli held the inagural innovation policy ‘policy hack’ in Sydney on Saturday 10 October .
Information on the hack can be found at http://innovation.govspace.gov.au/2015/10/19/hacking-the-policy-process/
We can repeat Israel's innovation miracle (Articles)
Twenty years ago, Israel's biggest export was oranges.
The tiny nation's size and economy could hardly have foretold its transformation into one of the most entrepreneurial lands on Earth.
"Nobody could imagine (the change in) this place… including the people who were doing high-tech here," Saul Singer told our recent Australian trade mission in Jerusalem.
"They had to convince people that this is something that we do. It didn't seem like a normal thing."
Singer is the celebrated journalist who co-authored Start-Up Nation – the best-selling story of Israel's economic miracle.
During his address, the parallels he drew between Israel and today's Australia were stark and, I've got to say, incredibly exciting.
"I think Australia can be a regional and maybe even a global innovation leader," he said. "You have this opportunity now. This actually is the moment. It's up for grabs."
It may surprise that start-up investment rates (if not the volume of capital raised) between our two nations are reasonably similar: 34 per cent of Israeli start-ups are funded against 25 per cent in Australia.
On another metric, 40 per cent of Israeli founders have a postgraduate qualification while 41 percent of Australian founders are postgraduates.
However, a keen point of divergence is the threshold for failure. Forty per cent of Israeli founders have experienced three or more previous start-ups. In Australia, just 9 per cent of founders have the same tried-and-failed history.
In Israel there is a relaxed acceptance that start-up failure is normal and shouldn't be spurned.
In Australia, we too must tap those dynamic elements of our national psyche and character – such as our anti-authoritarian streak – to drive us forward as an innovation leader.
Governments should be the exemplar here. Just as they have done in Israel, we must be prepared to experiment with public policy, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset not only to spawning and supporting high-growth new businesses but across the business of government.
We must embrace a new political environment where government has the freedom to try things. This also means, as the Prime Minister stated at the Economic and Social Outlook Conference, that if a policy is not working we're unafraid to "chuck it out".
The other critical constituent in any innovation ecosystem is investment.
At $400 per capita, a huge amount of VC funding fuels diverse businesses in Israeli technology.
Despite the enormous reserves of capital ploughed into traditional industries such as resources, property and infrastructure in Australia, we're coming off a much lower investment quotient in relation to innovative companies.
And yet we are beginning to see significant change, with three Australian venture capital funds each raising $200 million this year.
Israel has impressive collaborative links between higher education, research and the private sector. In Australia, we must develop this nexus and grow our talent pool, particularly around STEM and digital-tech skills.
When global entrepreneurs are thinking about where to live, the lifestyle that comes with surfing in the morning and coding in the afternoon needs to be milked for all it's worth.
Published in The Australian Financial Review, 18 November 2015
Hacking into challenges we face to create a more innovative nation (Articles)
Let's face it, sometimes the approach to policy in the past has been to call meetings in secret rooms, where nobody outside those walls knows what's said, let alone the outcome of what's said.
But the wealth of our country's knowledge does not reside solely in Canberra. It's important that as the government works to embrace the future, we bring with us the vast pool of talent already pushing new frontiers.
That means all elements of our innovation spectrum - from the startup community to science, higher education, research and the ICT multinationals, as well as traditional segments such as resources and finance - incorporating innovation in their existing structure.
If we can lay the groundwork to link this cutting-edge sector with our elected parliamentary representatives - and the public service - we have a strong launching point for a national discussion around innovation and its corollary of economic opportunity.
That's what we'll be attempting to achieve with the government's all-day policy "hackathon" at startup incubator BlueChilli in Sydney tomorrow.
It's the beginning of a vital conversation for our country, predicated on disrupting traditional processes.
It makes perfect sense to pack out a space like BlueChilli with some of Australia's best problemsolvers and most creative thinkers.
For Policy Hack, we'll be adopting the successful "hackathon" methodology from the global startup community where people from different backgrounds converge, form teams and set about solving a problem or challenge by creating a new business, product or service.
The only difference is that instead of producing, for example, a new app, our teams - featuring business people, venture capitalists, angel investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, academics and other influential thinkers - will be probing the challenges and opportunities we face in creating a more innovative and entrepreneurial Australia.
The building blocks for these discussions will come from ideas crowdsourced on a purpose-built web page.
Hundreds have contributed in the lead-up to the event, with the top initiatives voted on by another 5000-plus Australians.
Our "hack" will conclude with the teams pitching new innovation policy suggestions aimed squarely at national economic growth.
On the broad themes, we'll be looking at how we change a riskaverse culture; how we lure more investment capital to Australian innovation; how we grow our talent pool and attract the best and brightest from around the globe; and how we achieve greater cooperation between higher education, science, research and the private sector on the commercialisation of our great ideas.
I could not imagine a more open or transparent consultation - and dare I say it, nor could the across-government departmental officials who will act as mentors to the teams as they develop their policy proposals.
And yet I cannot emphasise enough that the most successful aspect of a typical "hackathon" is not the actual outcome.
It's not the new business or product raised.
It's the educational experience that permeates every single participant. It's the networks and connections made.
In other words, Policy Hack's measure of success will not be merely the ideas promoted, important as they are.
The real yardstick will be the degree to which relationships are forged between our entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, scientists, researchers - and public servants.
Many of the participants would just not normally engage with government - they are not industry bodies with big government relations divisions.
Malcolm Turnbull has said governments should not fear adopting and adapting in the vein of our innovators. If our Policy Hack model for engagement works - and we take away some solid lessons from our first experiment - this is something we can do more of.
Indeed, our primary hope is for an exceptionally open dialogue to put us in good stead for the next round of discussions.
Surely it's a good thing for the Canberra public service to be spending time talking directly with our nation's innovators, entrepreneurs and science and research experts.
What is there to be afraid of?
Published in The Australian, 16 October 2015
New IP Counsellor will support Aussie exports to China (Media Releases)
6 May 2016
The Australian Government announces that David Bennett will become Australia’s first IP Counsellor in China.
$4.6m for Aussie companies to storm new markets (Media Releases)
21 April 2016
A new emergency protection system for storm-damaged buildings is among the latest innovations to receive commercialisation assistance through the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
Transformative superconductor unveiled (Media Releases)
19 April 2016
Prototype high-temperature superconductors were unveiled today as part of a landmark research agreement between German engineering giant Siemens, Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Government’s Defence Science and Technology Group.
New report shows innovation at work (Media Releases)
14 April 2016
Assistant Minister for Innovation Wyatt Roy today announced the release of the Australian Intellectual Property Report 2016, which provides a detailed breakdown of the nation’s intellectual property (IP) trends.
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22 March 2016
Assistant Minister for Innovation Wyatt Roy says a Queensland company’s round-the-clock robotic sprayers have the potential to revolutionise farming.
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17 March 2016
After developing a new diagnostic test for the early detection of prostate cancer, biotechnology company Minomic is one of 15 innovators to win commercialisation support as part of the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
IP puts spotlight on best idea (Media Releases)
16 March 2016
A new online competition – “The best idea in Australia” – seeks to inspire innovators and entrepreneurs to maximise their intellectual property rights, says Assistant Minister for Innovation Wyatt Roy.
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The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP
$14.6 million to help drive innovative Australian businesses (Media Releases)
14 September 2015
Twenty four more Australian companies will take their innovative ideas into the global marketplace under the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs Programme.
CSIRO partnering with Chevron to study the Great Australian Bight (Media Releases)
14 September 2015
A significant partnership between CSIRO and Chevron will investigate unexplored deepwater regions in the Great Australian Bight, in the first commercial partnership to operate the marine research vessel, the RV Investigator.
Cancer patient receives 3D printed ribs in world first surgery (Media Releases)
11 September 2015
Australian Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane today congratulated CSIRO on its role in an international collaboration that has led to a world-first in surgery, using a 3D printed titanium sternum and rib implant that was designed and manufactured in Melbourne.
CSIRO purchases site for purpose-designed research farm (Media Releases)
10 September 2015
CSIRO has purchased 290 hectares of land at Boorowa in New South Wales for its agricultural research programme.
Interview with Melinda James - ABC Radio Illawarra (Transcripts)
7 September 2015
Interview with Melinda James, ABC Radio Illawarra, about BlueScope Steel and the future of Illawarra's industry and economy.
Joint Press Conference post meeting on future of industry in the Illawarra (Transcripts)
7 September 2015
Transcript of a joint press conference with NSW Minister for Industry Anthony Roberts, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward, BlueScope CEO Paul O'Malley, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister For Social Services Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.
Strengthening the Illawarra's economic future (Media Releases)
7 September 2015
Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane said there is a clear determination to keep the Australian steel industry strong and profitable in the Illawarra as part of the region’s broader economic future, following a meeting of key stakeholders in Wollongong today.
Australian Government partners with university to help students embrace STEM (Media Releases)
3 September 2015
Australian industry will have new options to enhance their competitive edge through partnerships with our world-class university research resources, as the Australian Government continues to implement a suite of policies to build stronger connections between business and science, Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane said.
Doorstop interview – Opening of Whitehaven Maules Creek Coal Mine (Transcripts)
2 September 2015
Doorstop interview at the opening of Whitehaven Maules Creek Coal Mine
New NSW coal mine contributing to regional community and national economy (Media Releases)
2 September 2015
The opening of Whitehaven’s Maules Creek Coal Mine will bring stable jobs and regional economic prosperity to the Narrabri, Gunnedah and Tamworth communities in North-Western NSW.
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The Hon Bob Baldwin MP
Levelling the playing field for Australian manufacturers and producers (Media Releases)
15 December 2014
The Australian Government is bolstering Australia’s anti-dumping system with a range of reforms to ensure Australian industry is in the strongest position to compete on a level playing field, while complying with international trade rules.
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2 December 2014
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, launched the Framework for the Adoption of Project Team Integration and Building Information Modelling.
Infrastructure guidelines strengthened (Media Releases)
2 December 2014
Guidelines ensuring the integrity of Australia’s major infrastructure projects were further strengthened today with the release of the Building Information Models (BIM) guidelines.
Brewer tops Gold Coast Innovation Awards (Media Releases)
30 November 2014
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry Bob Baldwin has congratulated the annual winners of the 2014 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards, headed by the Burleigh Brewing Company.
Coalition Government acts to address use of faulty building products in construction industry (Media Releases)
26 November 2014
The Coalition Government is taking action to protect families building their homes from faulty building products and materials.
Address to the i20 conference (Speeches)
14 November 2014
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, addressed i20 Collaborate to Innovate: It Makes Dollars and Sense, representing the Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP.
World's leading innovators focus on growth opportunities (Media Releases)
14 November 2014
One hundred and seventy of the world’s leading innovators are meeting in Brisbane today to consider how they, and their governments, can work together to boost innovation across the G20.
Queensland Exploration Breakfast (Speeches)
31 October 2014
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, addressed the Queensland Exploration Breakfast.
Advanced robot manufacturing hub set to benefit Sutherland (Media Releases)
16 October 2014
Local business leaders have joined with advanced manufacturers and researchers in a bid to establish an Advanced Manufacturing Business Centre specialising in robots and robotics in Sutherland.
Sutherland ShireBiz Advanced Manufacturing Forum (Speeches)
16 October 2014
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry makes the key note address to the Sutherland Shire Advanced Manufacturing Forum.
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