The Western Australian government has appointed a new 13-member Science and Technology Council to steer the growth of the state’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Chaired by newly appointed WA Chief Scientist Sharath Sriram, the body will oversee the implementation of WA’s 10-year Science and Technology Plan, released in December 2024.
The council will provide independent advice on emerging opportunities, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and strengthen connections between government, academia and industry.
It will also track the state’s progress against the plan — which sets out a vision to enhance WA’s scientific and technological capabilities — and guide the state’s long-term priorities.
Expressions of interest for the council attracted 114 applications from across WA, with the 13 successful members drawn from diverse sectors including medical research, space science and advanced manufacturing.
- Sharath Sriram, WA chief scientist
- James Arvanitakis, Forrest Research Foundation
- Peta Ashworth, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition
- Rob Hough, CSIRO
- Margaret Jones, Edith Cowan University
- Owen Nevin, Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
- Sarah Pearce, SKA Observatory
- Nicole Roocke, Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia
- Kadambot Siddique, University of Western Australia
- Mark Stickells, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre
- Pia Turcinov, FundWA
- Fiona Wood, Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital
- Steph Underwood, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the newly appointment council will “play a vital role” in guiding the implementation of the state’s plan and “identify and harness opportunities across this fast-evolving landscape”.
Across the Bass Strait, Tasmania has a new ministry, with the state’s former Treasurer and Industry minister Eric Abetz exiting his portfolio as part of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s post-election reshuffle.
In his place, Felix Ellis takes over as Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, as well as Minister for Skills and Jobs and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management.
Mr Abetz, a one-time Liberal senator at the federal level, in turn, has moved into the roles of Treasurer, Leader of the House and Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal.
ClearVue founder Victor Rosenberg has stepped down as chairman after more than a decade leading the Perth-based solar glass company. He will remain involved as a major shareholder and advisor.
Google Cloud vice president Paul Migliorini has welcomed two senior leaders to his team, announcing Luch Joveski as director, public sector A/NZ and Clare Kennedy as government affairs and public policy lead for the region.
Zebra Technologies has appointed Richard Tjiputra as head of channels for Australia and New Zealand to strengthen the company’s regional partner ecosystem and drive adoption of RFID, machine vision and intelligent automation.
Canberra-based defence tech company Electro Optic Systems has appointed Lee Kormany as its new executive vice president, defence systems. Mr Kormany joins EOS after more than 30 years in naval and defence leadership roles, and succeeds Ian Cook.
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