News

‘It will fail’: Export grants scheme still in turmoil

The popular export market grants scheme is doomed to fail unless there is a “severe overhaul” following the federal government’s controversial reforms which have drastically reduced the value of...

Govt consults on $200m critical minerals accelerator

The federal government has begun consulting on its $200 million critical minerals accelerator program, which will provide matched grants to Australian companies. The Critical Minerals Accelerator Initiative was announced...

Govt’s $1.3 billion manufacturing grants shortlisted for audit

The administration of $1.3 billion in grants from the Coalition’s flagship manufacturing program could come under the audit office’s microscope after being listed as a potential investigation next year,...

Acting ARC CEO Judi Zielke made permanent

Judi Zielke’s acting chief executive role at the Australian Research Council has been converted into a permanent position with a five-year term announced by the government on Saturday, a...

Govt fails to pass ‘landmark’ online privacy reforms

Laws introducing increased penalties for data breaches announced in response to the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal will not be passed before the election despite being announced by the federal...

Innovation and productivity forgotten in a lost decade

I have lost count how many from prime minister’s down have claimed to be working to make Australia a clever country, a maker of innovative things. Well guess what,...

AIIA calls for Cabinet-level digital super-Minister

The Australian Information Industry Association has called on the next federal government to combine the functions of the Digital Economy minister and the Government Services minister into a single,...

Election campaigning begins with nonsense about energy

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, is technically the minister in charge of implementing the federal government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite being...

Gig Guide: New ARC advisory committee established

A new Australian Research Council (ARC) committee has been formed and is being chaired by deputy Curtin University vice-chancellor research Professor Chris Moran. The committee, formed by acting Minister...

Ziggy Switkowski lands $4bn research infrastructure plan

An expert working group has finalised a decade-long strategic plan for Australia’s national research infrastructure, calling for continued secure funding and expansion into new areas, as well as more...

CSIRO invests $50 million in four new research programs

Australia’s national science agency will invest $50 million over five years to develop technology combating significant national challenges. The four new research programs come under CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms...