News

‘Secret’ report backs the Industry Growth Centres

An initial evaluation report of the six Industry Growth Centres – which has been considered in secret by the federal industry department for seven months or more – has highlighted inadequate...

Dumped CSIRO team gets funding lifeline from UNSW

The research team behind the extremely hard-to-hack microkernel seL4 has received lifeline funding to the end of the year from the University of New South Wales. The team, known...

Victorian govt hunts for top tech executive

The Victorian government is looking to fill the top executive role at its newly established digital service delivery agency, with Digital Victoria to be up and running by July....

Act now on tech to avoid another robodebt: Santow

There is now a “once-in-a-generation” challenge to ensure technology is developed and rolled-out fairly and equitably to ensure harmful programs like robodebt are avoided in the future, Human Rights...

Shock cuts at Data61 put jobs, research at risk

The loss of up to 70 jobs and seven research capabilities at CSIRO’s Data61 is a “shock” and particularly concerning in light of the science agency’s increased funding and...

Reflections on five years at the OECD

After an amazing and intensive five years with the team at OPSI (the Observatory of Public Sector Innovation), I’m leaving the OECD to move on to new adventures back in...

Siemens partners on Aust-made electric vehicle

Siemens and Western Australian partner Murray Engineering have unveiled a new light electric vehicle (eLV) designed and built in Australia. The vehicle was unveiled at the Austmine 2021 conference...

HRC calls for an AI Safety Commissioner

The federal government should establish an AI Safety Commissioner and halt the use of facial recognition and algorithms in important decision-making until adequate protections are in place,  the Australian...

Govt launches new RDTI digital platform

All Australian companies will soon have to use the government’s digital identity service to access the research and development tax incentive following the launch of a new digital platform...

Electronic warfare centre opens at Flinders

A new electronic warfare centre has been established at Flinders University to address Australia’s shortage of experts in the area – known colloquially as ‘Old Crows’ – and to...

More contractors than staff in govt IT roles

There are more temporary contract workers involved in government technology projects than full-time Australian Public Service staff, with some large agencies using more than four times as many tech...

CSIRO boost for local hydrogen production

It has been a big week in the development of a local green hydrogen sector with the launch of a CSIRO-led national industry mission and the unveiling of the...

Gig Guide: more advisory work for Halton

Former top public servant Jane Halton has scored more advisory work from the government, after concluding her work on the COVID-19 Commission. Ms Halton will be paid nearly $100,000...

Govt considers new crypto and ransomware laws

The federal government is actively considering implementing global cryptocurrency data-sharing rules and a mandatory ransomware notification scheme. At appearances at Senate Estimates hearings this week, Department of Home Affairs...