FACT SHEETS 

The Department's objective is to foster investment and growth in the Australian aerospace industry, and maximise Australian industry involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter Project.

The AATB operates the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO), which manages the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), the only world-class optical telescope based in Australia.

AusIndustry's objective is to deliver a range of business and industry assistance programs which achieve the Government's policy objectives of fostering investment and supporting businesses to become more innovative and internationally competitive.

The AISRF aims to facilitate and support Science and Technology research cooperation between Australia and India.

The sector comprises a range of companies selling products in Australia and overseas and operating in applications of biotechnology that include health, industrial processing, agriculture and the environment.

The objective is to maximise opportunities for Australian industry to participate in major investment projects and global supply chains in line with the Australian Industry Participation (AIP) National Framework.

AIATSIS is the National Research Institute for Indigenous studies and Indigenous thought.

AIMS generates and transfers knowledge to support the sustainable use and protection of the tropical marine environment through innovative, world class research.

As Australia's national nuclear research and development organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise, ANSTO provides the Government with expert scientific and technical advice.

Improve the long-term sustainability and international competitiveness of the Australian pharmaceuticals industry, stimulate investment in the industry, and develop Australia as a regional centre for research and development (R&D), manufacturing and export.

APAs are available to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.

The mission of the ARC is to advance Australia’s research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community.

The Australian Government is providing $25.5 million through the ASHER program over three years (2007-09) to assist eligible higher education providers (HEPs) with the establishment of digital repositories.

Australia's exports are outlined by industry, volumes and values, destinations and economy.

The objective of the Government's automotive policy is to enhance the long-term sustainability and international competitiveness of the Australian automotive industry in the context of trade liberalisation.

Act as a key driver and catalyst for Australia's continuing development of biotechnology research and its application for economic and social benefit.

Stimulate companies to increase their spending on research and development (R&D) as a means of increasing their international competitiveness and ultimately providing economic benefits to the broader community.

The Department is working with ATO to make it easy for businesses to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), a Tax File Number online and search ABN information through the ABN Lookup web site.

The Business Consultation website aims to improve government consultation with businesses, associations and individuals, by providing more access to a range of information and reviews undertaken across government.

Make it easier for small or large business operators to find the government information they need to run their business.

business.gov.au is the Australian Government's award-winning website offering simple and convenient access to government information, transactions and services for business, in particular for small to medium-sized businesses.

The purpose of the Chair in Child Protection funding is support the operation of an Australian Centre for Child Protection to work collaboratively across disciplinary and organisational boundaries.

The Department's chemicals and plastics strategy is to facilitate the development of a stronger, more internationally competitive and sustainable Australian chemicals and plastics industry.

The objective of the CTS is to provide high quality research commercialisation training for the next generation of Australian researchers.

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.

CRCs are collaborations between industry, Australian universities and public sector research agencies to develop innovative research concepts into useable products and processes.

Overview of the Department's portfolio, including information about its responsibilities and commitment to developing policies and delivering programs to provide lasting economic benefits ensuring Australia's competitive future.

To increase activity in the early stage venture capital sector in Australia through the introduction of an investment vehicle with flow-through taxation treatment and no tax liability on the investment gains for investors.

Support the undertaking of major investment projects in Australia, by providing relief from customs duty on certain capital items and encourage the involvement of Australian industry in global supply chains.

The Enterprise Connect network is a central plank of the government’s "Innovation Future for Australian Industry" policy platform.

The Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative is the Australian Government’s new research excellence and evaluation system.

Australia is an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) because of its strong economy, its political stability, its highly productive workforce, its corporate governance standards and its strong links with the Asia Pacific region.

The Future Fellowships scheme is intended to address the uncertain career paths for researchers that cause many highly qualified mid-career researchers to further their careers overseas due to lack of opportunities in Australia.

To help businesses find, manage and complete government forms online without having to understand the structure of government or individual agencies.

Australia has globally recognised ICT skills in eGovernment, eHealth, eSecurity, intelligent transport systems, judicial systems, transaction and financial software and digital content (computer games and movie animation).

The Implementation Assistance Program (IAP) assists eligible higher education providers (HEPs) in meeting the costs of changing the nature and amount of information they collect about researchers and research.

It is estimated that most independent contractors are employed in the construction industry, particularly in the housing sector. Most independent contractors are tradespersons.

The Department's role is to bring an industry policy perspective to Defence material procurement policy and processes through on-going involvement with Defence industry policy issues. The Department is a member of the Defence Industry Advisory Council, participates in reviews of Defence procurement policy, and in working groups dealing with rationalisation of the naval shipbuilding and repair sector, munitions, land transport and procurement related issues.

Information about Australian businesses and the implementation of an innovation

The Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS) provides block grants, on a calendar year basis, to eligible (HEPs).

The Intelligent Island Program was developed in 1999 as a special industry development program as part of the second sale of Telstra.

The IPRS program enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers.

Effective international engagement plays an important role in contributing to the quality of Australian science and its capacity to deliver benefits to the broader community.

The International Science Linkages (ISL) Program supports collaboration between leading Australian and international researchers in order to contribute to Australia’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

IP Australia is responsible for granting patent, trade mark, industrial design and plant breeder's rights.

IP Australia grants rights in patents, trade marks and designs and provides information programs designed to increase awareness of the benefits of effective protection and use of IP.

The JSF is a next generation defence force combat aircraft currently under development. The Australian and United States Governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing Australia to participate in the ten-year Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the international Program as a level three (L3) partner for an investment of US$150 million.

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a next generation defence force combat aircraft and Australia's involvement has been recognised by identifying Australian industry capabilities.

The purpose of these grant-in-aid programs are for activities to foster an understanding of, or promote research and scholarship in, science, social science and the humanities in Australia.

Consistent with a whole of government approach to policy making, on business, science and research issues, this Department maintains linkages with a number of other departments.

Consistent with a whole of government approach to policy making, on business, science and research issues, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (the Department) maintains linkages with a number of other departments.

Information about the manufacturing industry that is a vital part of the Australian economy.

Enhance the long term sustainability and international competitiveness of the Australian marine industry.

The Australian Government is committed to the introduction of a new system of mission-based compacts with universities to cover education, research and research training, community outreach, and industry collaboration and innovation-related activities.

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the molecular scale and needs to be developed in a responsible manner that effectively addresses its health, safety and environmental implications.

NCRIS provides funding to develop and fund national research infrastructure projects.

NICTA is a national centre of research excellence funded on behalf of the Australian Government jointly by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE).

Deliver world-class measurement standards and services that enhance innovation, increase industry competitiveness, facilitate trade, underpin regulation and improve the well-being of Australian society.

National Research Priorities (NRPs) are designed to focus the Australian Government’s research effort into those areas that can deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia.

The automotive industry is dependent on attracting investment, building up skills, encouraging research and development and ensuring that government programs are effective and efficient. An outline of the Review of the Automotive Industry is included.

Products of the textile, clothing and footwear sector includes textiles, clothing, carpet, footwear and technical textiles. The TCF industries are currently under review.

The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program is a $150 million five year competitive entry program, focused on increasing the level of high quality pharmaceuticals R&D and the number of partnerships between pharmaceuticals companies and the research sector.

Through a range of taxation incentives, the program encourages investment in PDFs which in turn provide a pool of funds which specialist managers invest in companies that they expect will provide high returns. This program is now closed.

Questacon presents creative, interactive science exhibitions and programs. These programs and exhibitions are made accessible to rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Key points and facts and figures about the R&D Tax Concession and Business Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD).

The Regional Protection Scheme (RPS) helps to protect designated regional higher education providers from losses they incur in their total Research Training Scheme and Institutional Grant Scheme allocations against a 2001 baseline.

Research Infrastructure Block Grants (RIBG) Scheme provides block grants, on a calendar year basis, to eligible Higher Education Providers (HEPs) to maintain and strengthen Australia’s knowledge base and research capabilities.

The Research Training Scheme (RTS) provides block grants to support research training for domestic students undertaking Doctorate and Masters degrees by research.

The Review of the National Innovation System reflects the value the Australian Government places on a strong innovation system and its determination to harness the economic and social benefits of innovation for Australia.

SCOPE’s name reflects its objective to establish, with young people in particular, the connection between the study of science in senior secondary school and the career options that become available.

Develop a vibrant, integrated, export-driven science industry that is growing at above industry averages, generating high value-added products and services, and is globally recognised for its innovation and excellence.

Key points and facts and figures about the Services sector, including its contribution to the Australian economy.

Small business forms a vital part of the Australian economy, contributing significantly to the GDP and private sector employment.

The objective of the Space Licensing and Safety Office is to assist the development of space activities in Australia and by Australians outside Australia by administering the Space Activities Act 1998 ('the Act') and subsidiary regulations.

The Government has committed to promoting Australia's bid to host the world's largest and most powerful telescope, the $2 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

The Tariff Concession System supports Australia's industry competitiveness by lowering cost structures through reduction in customs duty on imported business inputs and removing the duty on imported consumer items where there is no equivalent Australian production.

Devise policy settings to assist the industry to restructure and reposition itself to be sustainable over the long term.

The Tradex program supports the development of Australia's manufacturing and export capability by providing relief from customs duty and GST on imports that are subsequently exported.

A program to provide validation, authentication and notary services for government agencies.

The Department's objective is to improve the commercialisation of technology by Australian firms through access to venture capital.

Facilitate investment by foreign residents into the Australian venture capital market and to further develop the venture capital industry.