From 15 December 2011, the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education was established. This website will be updated to reflect Machinery of Government changes in due course and content from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will be transitioned to this site.
About the department
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research strives as a key priority to encourage the sustainable growth of Australian industries by developing a national innovation system that drives knowledge creation, cutting-edge science and research, international competitiveness and greater productivity. The department is committed to developing policies and delivering programs, in partnership with stakeholders, to provide lasting economic benefits ensuring Australia’s competitive future. The department also works to boost innovation by Australian industry and improve social and economic benefits for the Australian community.
Innovation is a progressive, people-focused organisation committed to the development, health and wellbeing of its employees. We provide a challenging and flexible working environment and can help you achieve your personal work/life balance.
The department is structured into a number of divisions:
In addition, the Office of the Chief Scientist is also located within the department.
We have our main office in Canberra and state offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, as well as territory and regional offices across Australia.
Our Divisions
AusIndustry
AusIndustry is a specialist program delivery division within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. It delivers business programs worth about $2 billion each year and has customer service managers in more than 20 offices across Australia, including 15 regional offices. AusIndustry is a key source of information and referral over a range of business areas. It works across all levels of government and reaches even the most remote areas of Australia.
Industry and Small Business Policy Division
The Industry and Small Business Policy Division provides policy advice and analysis to portfolio Ministers on industry and small business policy issues to facilitate increased competitiveness and sustained growth for Australian businesses. It focuses on a range of issues affecting business, including broad economic conditions, business deregulation, taxation, innovation, trade policy, competition policy, infrastructure, skills shortages, workplace relations and climate change, and cultivates effective links and consultation with the business community and their representative organisations. The Division promotes small business interests within government, and fosters an understanding within government agencies of factors influencing small businesses.
Innovation Division
The Innovation Division aims to contribute to the department’s vision to create an environment where new ideas are nurtured and innovation drives productivity, economic growth and social well being, by strengthening the links between science, research and industry. Innovation is the process, by which ideas are transformed, through economic activity, into sustainable, value-creating outcomes – into tradeable products, processes and services. The Division has 3 Branches: Pharmaceuticals and Enabling Technologies; Innovation Analysis and Innovation Policy.
Enterprise Connect Division
Enterprise Connect is a division within the department, charged with the carriage of implementing and managing the Australian Government’s $251 million Enterprise Connect initiative. This initiative delivers practical support to thousands of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Enterprise Connect helps position Australian SMEs to be more competitive in an increasingly global market place through increased productivity, and profitability, and innovation. It also strengthens links between industry and sources of knowledge, including the research sector, by providing access to the latest information and technology. Enterprise Connect works within a broader network of industry experts and partners to deliver a comprehensive range of services to eligible SMEs.
Manufacturing Division
Manufacturing Division provides analysis and advice on policies to improve the competitive position of Australia's manufacturing, engineering, construction and space industries. The Division develop and implement sectoral policies with an emphasis on innovation, facilitate Australian industry participation in major civil and defence projects and manage building and space regulation. The Division works closely with the business community and governments across Australia.
Science and Infrastructure Division
The Science and Infrastructure Division advises the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on policy and programs in areas of science and research infrastructure. It administers Government science and research infrastructure funding programs and develops policy to help Australia achieve a strong science and research capacity and to be engaged internationally on science and research issues.
Science and Infrastructure Division liaises with the portfolio science agencies, universities and other departments, and maintains effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in the science, higher education, industry and general community sectors.
Research Division
Research Division advises the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on policy and programs relating to higher education research. It administers the Government’s Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program and research block grants. In addition, the division develops policy to help Australia achieve a strong research capacity and also provides advice on major strategic research policy issues including research training, quality, funding and accountability.
Research Division liaises with the portfolio science agencies, universities and other departments and maintains effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in the research, university, industry, science and general community sectors.
eBusiness Division
eBusiness Division is responsible for a range of whole-of-government and business service delivery initiatives directed at helping business interaction with government. eBusiness aims for flexibility and innovation in its organisation, staffing and technology.
Corporate Division
Corporate Division provides a range of essential services and facilities to the department and its Ministers, including corporate governance advice, financial policy and budget coordination, ministerial coordination, legal and procurement services, human resource management, marketing and communications, employee and information services, and accounting and property services.
National Measurement Institute
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) provides world-class measurement standards and services to facilitate trade and assist industry innovation. It develops and maintains Australia's primary standards for physical, chemical and biological measurement. The NMI also provides national leadership in legal metrology.
Australian Astronomical Observatory Division
The Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) became a Division of the department on 1 July 2010.
The AAO operates the Anglo-Australian Telescope and UK Schmidt Telescope on behalf of the astronomical community of Australia. To this end the Observatory is part of and is funded by the Australian Government. It provides world-class optical and infrared observing facilities enabling Australian astronomers to do excellent science. The AAO is a world leader in astronomical research and in the development of innovative telescope instrumentation. It also takes a leading role in the formulation of long-term plans for astronomy in Australia.
Questacon
Questacon is Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. Since opening in 1988, it has become the national leader in developing and presenting world class creative, interactive science exhibitions and programs.
Questacon's aim is to encourage Australians to recognise that science, technology and innovation are essential to our national prosperity. More directly, the organisation aims to address the skill shortage in science and technology, by striving to influence more students to pursue careers in the fields of maths, science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Questacon actively seeks to make its programs and exhibitions highly accessible to Australians and international visitors. In addition to the Centre's seven themed exhibition galleries (and over 200 hands-on, interactive exhibits) in Canberra, it travels to a variety of exhibitions in Australia and overseas as well as outreach programs in rural, regional and remote Indigenous communities.
Questacon employs around 220 staff and also benefits from a dedicated team of volunteers. It has an annual audience reach of more than four million people: for every visitor to the centre in Canberra, another four visitors attend a Questacon program or travelling exhibition elsewhere in Australia or overseas.
IP Australia
IP Australia falls within the department's organisational structure as a prescribed agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, but operates independently of the department on financial matters and with some degree of autonomy on other matters.
IP Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for granting patent, trade mark, industrial design and plant breeders' rights. IP Australia also manages programs to educate and promote awareness of the benefit of effective protection and use of intellectual property (IP); provides policy advice to government; develops legislation to support Australia's IP system; and contributes to bilateral and multilateral negotiations to improve IP protection internationally. Australia's IP system is well regarded both nationally and internationally and is vital in promoting innovation, investment and international competitiveness.
Business.gov.au
The business.gov.au website is an online government resource for the Australian business community. By using business.gov.au businesses are able to comply with government requirements more simply and conveniently.
Business.gov.au provides a wide range of services and information about start-up, taxation, licensing and legislation, as well as significant transactions such as ABN Lookup, taxation compliance and licence applications. The website is continuously being refined and progressively offers more online transactions in response to business needs.
Our portfolio
Our portfolio is accountable to the Australian Parliament through:
The portfolio comprises:
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is a statutory agency under the Public Service Act 1999, created by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Act 1989.
AIATSIS is governed by its own Council, which has a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. The role of AIATSIS is to:
- Encourage, undertake, promote and publish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies
- Assist in training persons, particularly Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders, as research workers in fields relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies
- Establish and maintain a cultural resource collection consisting of materials relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studie
- Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies.
Australian Institute of Marine Science
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established by the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972.
AIMS generates and transfers knowledge to support the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment through innovative, world class research. It does this by:
- Carrying out research and development
- Encouraging and facilitating the application and use of the results of its research
- Cooperating with other institutions and persons in carrying out research and development
- Collecting and disseminating information relating to marine science and technology and publishing reports and papers
- Providing and selling goods and services
- Making available to others, on a commercial basis, the knowledge, expertise, equipment and facilities of the Institute.
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established under the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987.
ANSTO is Australia's national nuclear research and development organisation and the centre of Australia's nuclear expertise. It provides the Government with expert scientific and technical advice in such areas as Australia’s national strategic and nuclear policy objectives and radioactive waste management. ANSTO operates nuclear science and technology based facilities for the benefit of industry and the Australian research community, including higher education. It conducts and applies environmental; materials engineering; and radiopharmaceutical research has well as research in applications of neutron scattering and x-ray radiation. ANSTO also operates business units, most notably units producing and marketing radiopharmaceuticals, and providing services to the mining and minerals sector.
Australian Research Council
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is a statutory agency under the Public Service Act 1999, established under the Australian Research Council Act 2001.
The ARC's mission is to advance Australia’s research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community. The ARC advises the Government on research funding and policy and, through its management of the National Competitive Grants Program, promotes the conduct of research and research training that is of the highest quality for the benefit of the Australian community.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949.
CSIRO carries out scientific research to assist Australian industry and to further the interests of the Australian community; and to contribute to national and international objectives and responsibilities of the Australian Government. CSIRO also encourages or facilitates the application and use of the results of its own or any other scientific research. Secondary functions specified in the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 include international scientific liaison, training of research workers, publication of research results, and dissemination of science and technology.
2009-2010 portfolio Budget statements
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) strives as a key priority to encourage the sustainable growth of Australian industries by developing a national innovation system that drives knowledge creation, cutting-edge science and research, international competitiveness and greater productivity. The department is committed to developing policies and delivering programs, in partnership with stakeholders, to provide lasting economic benefits ensuring Australia's competitive future. The department also works to boost innovation by Australian industry and improve social and economic benefits for the Australian community.
Effective delivery of the above responsibilities will focus the department's efforts in meeting the two Government Outcomes below:
- Outcome 1: Enhanced opportunities for business innovation and growth through national leadership in converting knowledge and ideas into new processes, services, products and marketable devices; fostering business cooperation; delivering advice; assistance; and business, measurement and online services.
- Outcome 2: The generation, utilisation and awareness, of science and research knowledge through investment in research, research training and infrastructure, science communication, skill development and collaboration with industry, universities and research institutes domestically and internationally.
In addition, DIISR will strive to meet these Outcomes by focusing on four key areas or themes: Innovation; Industry; Science and Research; and Small Business and Deregulation.
- Innovation: building a culture of innovation and new ideas by strengthening investment in creativity and knowledge generation through streamlined, national innovation system.
- Industry: improving the economic viability and competitive advantage of Australian industry.
- Science and Research: building a strong Australian science and research capability in universities, publicly funded research agencies and in businesses that can effectively contribute to the achievement of national economic, social and environmental objectives.
- Small Business and Deregulation: improving the growth, performance and competitiveness of small business.
During 2009-10, significant Departmental resources will be allocated to implement measures contained in the Government's response to the range of reviews commissioned since 2007-08. Specifically, the reviews are:
- The Review of the National Innovation System (Dr Terry Cutler)
- The Review of Australian Higher Education (Professor Denise Bradley, AC)
- The Review of Australia’s Automotive Industry (The Hon Steve Bracks)
- The Review of the Australian Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries (Professor Roy Green)
- The Review of the Cooperative Research Centres Program (Professor Mary O'Kane)
- The Review of Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (Mr John Simpson).
In delivering its Outcomes, DIISR – like other Departments – will be operating in an environment coming to terms with the effects of the global economic climate, which is expected to continue throughout 2009-10. Australian businesses will face continued pressure on multiple fronts.
The ultimate effect of the global economic climate on Australia will be significant as Australia is closely integrated with the global economy.
The effectiveness of DIISR's performance during 2009-10 could be significantly impacted by the global recession. However, strong corporate governance coupled with ongoing monitoring of the operating environment, and continued communication with key stakeholder groups will assist in cushioning the impact and increasing DIISR's ability to meet its responsibilities.
Employment agreements
Annual Report
Our values and Code of Conduct
At the department we work to ensure the workplace environment is harassment-free. We value our diverse workforce and increase employee motivation and creativity through flexible and inclusive employment. We work in accordance with the APS Values and Code of Conduct and all employees are expected to operate within Australian Government legislation. Through the department's Collective Agreements, Innovation provides an effective and fair avenue for reviewing employment related actions through a Review of Action.
Our department's community
The department is more than just a workplace. With so many employees across the Portfolio, it is a community. The department values the wellbeing of its employees and the contribution they make. The following activities and initiatives within the department really capture our community spirit:
Social Club
The department has its own Social Club at Industry House (our main office, located in Canberra), and the club's members come from all areas of the department. The objectives of the Industry House Social Club are to:
- Provide social amenities and social activities for the benefit of employees of the department and their guests
- Provide out of club funds, discounts to activities and events chosen by the Committee
- Raise funds from the above activities and select legitimate charitable organisations to benefit.
All employees are welcome to join the Social Club. Joining the Social Club entitles you to great discounts and subsidised prices for Social Club events such as the Ski Trip and the Christmas Party.
FITTER
FITTER is a healthy living initiative that has been prepared for the department. It is designed to encourage our employees to think more carefully about their own health and general wellbeing through the promotion of a more active lifestyle.
FITTER aims to introduce employees to the various healthy activities that are possible accross Australia and enable them to make that choice. There are a variety of activity based events and information based events scheduled each month such as fun runs, walks, netball, golf, soccer and volleyball competitions.
The FITTER has the following key objectives:
- To increase employee awareness of issues/facts associated with health and fitness
- An increased level of health and fitness among Departmental employees staff
- An ongoing/long term impact on employee lifestyle/degree of behavioural change.
FITTER activities are designed to accommodate varying levels of fitness. Furthermore, everyone who enters is eligible for prizes, not just the winners. To encourage healthy competition between Divisions, prizes are awarded for participation in FITTER events and also for volunteering to help out with an event.
eCommunique
eCommuniqué is the department's staff newsletter. It is published every second month in an online format, and can be viewed by all portfolio staff via the departmental intranet.
Each edition contains articles on a wide range of subjects and events across the portfolio. These include latest news items from around the department, a regular column from the Secretary, Dr Don Russell, a series of feature stories, and information from the department's social community – including from FITTER and the Social Club.
As eCommuniqué is aimed at providing information that is reflective of events across the portfolio as a whole, contributions are welcomed from all areas of the department and from all of our employees.
Childcare
In October 2006, the department opened an early childhood centre at Industry House, its main office located in Canberra, called the Binara Early Childhood Centre.
The 74-place centre is managed by Southside Community Services and offers care for babies to pre-schoolers.
Operating hours are from 7.30am to 6.00pm and the centre is open 51 weeks of the year. The Childcare Centre contact number is (02) 6230 6455.
We also provide a free information and referral service for employees - Work|Life Links. The service can help employees with information about before and after school care options for their children. Work|Life Links can also assist with all other childcare, aged and other dependant care requirements.