The Australian Government's Innovation Report

CHAPTER 5: Moving forward with confidence
Key institutions
Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council
The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) is the Australian Government’s
principal source of independent advice on issues related to science, engineering and innovation. The Prime
Minister chairs the council.
Non-ministerial members include the Chief Scientist and leaders of many scientific, educational and business
organisations. The Council’s terms of reference are to:
• advise on important issues in science, technology, engineering and relevant aspects of education and
training. This includes their relationship to economic growth, employment creation, the development
of new industries and the sustainable development of new resources;
• examine the contribution of science, technology and engineering to the innovative capacity and economic
and social development of Australia;
• enhance awareness in the community of the importance of science, technology and engineering for
Australia's economic and social development;
• examine Australia's science and engineering resources and the effectiveness of their organisation and use; and
• examine Australia's science and engineering infrastructure and its effectiveness in applying science and
technology to the economic and social development of Australia.
During 2005-06, PMSEIC meetings were held in December and in June. At the December meeting, the
Council considered reports on Biodiscovery, Tsunamis, and The Role of Creativity in the Innovation Economy.
At the June meeting, a report on Asia’s Scientifi c and Economic Growth – Opportunities for Australia was considered, and
presentations were heard from three early career researchers: Dr Sebely Pal (Curtin University of Technology),
Dr Spencer Williams (University of Melbourne) and Ms Jasmin Craufurd-Hill (Australian Nuclear Science and
Technology Organisation) on the opportunities and challenges encountered when establishing a career in research.
More information about PMSEIC can be found at: www.dest.gov.au/pmseic
The Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard MP, with three
early career researchers, Dr Sebely Pal (Curtin University of
Technology), Dr Spencer Williams (University of Melbourne)
and Ms Jasmin Craufurd-Hill (Australian Nuclear Science
and Technology Organisation). Photo Credit: DEST
The Hon. Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Education, Science and Training, with members of the Prime
Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council working group on Asia’s Scientific and
Economic Growth- Opportunities for Australia. Photo Credit: DEST
Chapter 5 - Moving forward with confidence 143