News

Gallagher pressed to adopt NSW-like digital fund

A New South Wales-like digital government fund for Canberra is firming, with the Albanese government considering a mechanism to support projects outside of the ordinary budget cycle as part...

BioTech incubator awards $12m in grants

Grants worth $12 million have been awarded through the federally-funded BioTech incubator CUREator to 19 projects across Australia. In the second round of funding, announced on Wednesday, $6 million...

Approach critical minerals like a startup ecosystem

Australia’s critical mineral industry holds immense potential for supporting emerging industries, but we desperately need a strategic approach that fosters innovation and long-term growth. What Australia needs most is...

Feds inject $20m into Qld’s largest hydrogen project

Almost $120 million has been secured to progress Queensland’s largest hydrogen project, with Singaporean, Japanese, and Australian stakeholders all investing funds. On Friday, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)...

$187m Inmarsat deal to boost GPS accuracy in Australia, NZ

European-built smallsats from Inmarsat will be used to deliver decimeter accuracy to satellite positioning in Australia and New Zealand through the multi-billion-dollar Southern Hemisphere Positioning Augmentation Network from 2027....

Quantum computing can help secure the future of AI systems

Artificial intelligence algorithms are quickly becoming a part of everyday life. Many systems that require strong security are either already underpinned by machine learning or soon will be. These...

NSW developing trust breach law after PwC scandal

Consultants and advisers that breach government trust in New South Wales face multi-million dollar fines and shadow bans under changes being developed by the Minns government. Other state and...

CSIRO gets $10m for new hydrogen generator project

CSIRO will lead development of a new hydrogen generator project for liquid organic carriers after receiving a $10 million investment from engineering consultancy Advanced Carbon Engineering. Over six years,...

Inquiry to probe generative AI use in schools, higher ed

A parliamentary inquiry will examine the risks and potential opportunities of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in school and higher education settings, with Education minister Jason Clare convinced...

Canberra to hire dozens of its own consultants

The Albanese government’s in-house consultancy will be up and running by the end of the year, with around 20 staff providing professional services and focusing on building capability and...

AFP may expand PwC investigation, re-evaluates contracts

The Australian Federal Police may expand the remit of an investigation of global consulting giant PwC over the firm’s use of confidential Treasury information to market tax minimisation schemes...

PwC federal contracts plummet in wake of tax leaks scandal

Embattled consulting giant PwC’s federal work is plummeting and it faces a criminal investigation after its partners were caught exploiting confidential government information for profit. The firm has still...