The council at its inaugural meeting under the Rudd Government on 23 April 2008.
The Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) was established under the former Government's in 1997 as the Government's principal source of independent advice on issues in science, engineering and innovation and relevant aspects of education and training. A precursor to PMSEIC was the Prime Minister's Science Council established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1989. This was followed by the Prime Minister's Science and Engineering Council which was established in 1992.
The Council meets in full session, twice a year, to discuss major national issues in science, engineering and technology and their contribution to the economic and social development of Australia.
To underpin its advisory role, the Council has resources to examine Australia's science and engineering capabilities and the effectiveness of their organisation and utilisation. The non-ministerial members constitute the Standing Committee of the Council, and oversee and contribute to studies and research aimed at improving understanding of the major, science, engineering and innovation issues.
Terms of reference
The Council's terms of reference are:
- to advise on important issues in science, technology, engineering and relevant aspects of education and training, including as they relate to economic growth, employment creation, the development of new industries and the sustainable development of new resources;
- to examine the contribution of science, technology and engineering to the innovative capacity and economic and social development of Australia;
- to enhance awareness in the community of the importance of science, technology and engineering for Australia's economic and social development;
- to examine Australia's science and engineering resources and the effectiveness of their organisation and utilisation; and
- to examine Australia's science and engineering infrastructure and the effectiveness with which it achieves the application of science and technology in the economic and social development of Australia.
Membership
Details regarding PMSEIC Membership.
Standing Committee of PMSEIC
Details regarding the Standing Committee of PMSEIC.
Secretariat
For further details about PMSEIC contact:
Office of the Chief Scientist
Science and Research Division
Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601
phone: 02 6240 5060
email: pmseic@innovation.gov.au
Next Meeting
- The date of the next meeting is to be advised.
Previous meetings