News

US-Aus rare earth minerals tie-up

Australian and US government officials will hold high-level discussions in Washington later this year to develop a critical minerals action plan in an effort to mitigate risk associated with...

David Thodey on the science of growth

CSIRO chairman David Thodey has cautioned government and business alike against tightening research and innovation budgets in the face of Australia’s somewhat anaemic economic outlook. After the 27 years...

Govt initiates 5G technology inquiry

The federal government has initiated a Parliamentary inquiry into 5G technology in Australia, but its terms of reference mean the controversy surrounding national security and the banning of Huawei...

Local space sector is over the moon

The $150 million federal play to involve Australian companies in American missions to the moon and Mars has been cautiously welcomed by local space firms, with hopes it could...

Karen Andrews on the moon mission

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has committed an additional $150 million over five years to underwrite Australia’s participation in the United States led public-private Moon to Mars space exploration program....

CSIRO’s Williams hails space deal

The CSIRO’s most senior space sector executive Dave Williams has hailed the Australian Space Agency’s collaborative partnership with NASA and says the $150 million funding commitment from government deals...

Data rights and the Aussie farmer

Data portability and the application of farmer’s data rights in the agricultural sector will play a large part in reaping the expected $20+ billion reward of improved productivity through...

Govt unwraps CDR’s ‘right to delete’

The federal government has introduced a right for consumers to have their personal data deleted as part of its controversial Consumer Data Right scheme. The introduction of the right...

We can’t afford to ignore Asia tech

Australia “cannot afford to turn its back” on the “once in a generation opportunity” on offer from Huawei and other Chinese technology companies, according to Huawei Australia chairman John...

Govt opens digital ID private sector

The federal government has begun the process of opening up its digital identity project to the private sector, with hopes the big banks will buy into the controversial scheme....

Vic’s road-test Fed biometric database

Victoria will be the first state to test the federal government’s controversial national facial recognition database, but access to the biometric data will be restricted to state authorities, at...

Defence taps unis for UAV project

The Defence Science and Technology unit will fund a consortium of four local universities to work with counterparts in the US on developing a next-generation of autonomous vehicles for...

Robodebt class action launched

The legal foundations of the controversial robodebt scheme will be tested in court as part of a new class action lawsuit that will argue the government’s use of an...

Digital economy gets renewed focus

The federal Industry department has quietly created a new Digital Economy and Technology division within AusIndustry, falling under deputy secretary Elizabeth Kelly. The renewed Industry focus on the digital...