Contribute your expertise

Here is how you can get involved with current policy work.

academypolicyteam@atse.org.au

Please use this email address for queries about any of the opportunities below. Interested Fellows are encouraged to contact AcademyPolicyTeam@atse.org.au to contribute to any of the below submissions.

MARCH

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is running a survey on the draft framework for delivering 450G of water. Survey responses close on 4 March 2024.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has opened a consultation on clarifying community consultation requirements for offshore oil and gas storage approvals. Submissions close on 23 February 2024.
The Department of Home Affairs has opened a consultation on cybersecurity legislative reforms. Submissions close on 1 March 2024.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has launched the Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work.
The Department of Health is surveying a draft National Gene Drive Policy Guide. Responses close on 3 March 2024.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is consulting on three draft guidance notes on diversity and equity, student grievances and complaints, and wellbeing and safety. Consultation closes on 15 March 2024.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is consulting on an SMS Sender ID Registry. Input closes on 20 March 2024.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is undertaking a consultation on a VET Workforce Blueprint. Input closes on 26 March 2024.
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories is conducting an inquiry on the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interests. Submissions close on 12 April 2024.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

SURVEY: Offshore oil and gas facility decommissioning

ATSE has partnered with the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) on a study into offshore oil and gas facility decommissioning. The project will include technology horizon scan for current and emerging technologies that can support the decommissioning process (both directly and indirectly), an assessment of alternative uses for decommissioned facilities, value chains that can be produced from reclaimed facility waste, and a snapshot into potential future careers for oil and gas workers based on their core skill profiles.

If you have expertise in this area, we would like you to participate by completing a short survey. You are welcome provide as much or little information as you would like, and to skip any questions not relevant to your expertise. The survey will close Sunday 4th February 2024. You can access the survey here.

The CSIRO and Australian Energy Market Operator have opened a consultation on the 2023-24GenCost Consultation Draft. Fellow input for ATSE’s submission is invited by the 17th of January 2024.
The Productivity Commission has opened a consultation on its National Water Reform inquiry. An ATSE working group is writing a submission. Fellow input is welcomed by the 19th of January.
The Australian Energy Market Operator is consulting on its draft Integrated System Plan. Fellow input is welcomed by 28 January.
The Department of Education is consulting on the development of a National Skills Passport. Fellow input is welcomed by 28 January.
The Western Australian Government is consulting on its 10 Year Science and Technology Plan. Submissions are due 31 March 2024.

12 January 2024

The CSIRO and Australian Energy Market Operator have opened a consultation on the 2023-24 GenCost Consultation Draft. Fellow input for ATSE’s submission is invited by the 17th of January 2024.
The Productivity Commission has opened a consultation on its National Water Reform inquiry. An ATSE working group is writing a submission. Fellow input is welcomed by the 19th of January.
Consultation has been foreshadowed for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.
The Senate inquiry into Greenwashing, to which ATSE has made a submission, has invited supplementary submissions. Submissions close on 2 February 2024.
The Department of Home Affairs has opened a consultation on cybersecurity legislative reforms. Submissions close on 1 March 2024.
The Department of Health is surveying a draft National Gene Drive Policy Guide. Responses close on 3 March 2024.

December

The Senate Finance and Public Administration Reference Committee has opened an inquiry into supporting the development of sovereign capability in the Australian tech sector. Submissions close on 23 February.
The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee has opened submissions on the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023. Fellow input for ATSE’s submission is invited by Monday 11 December.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is seeking input to the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) National Framework. Fellow input for ATSE’s submission is invited by Thursday 14 December.
The Department of Education has opened consultation on the Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education. Fellow input for ATSE’s submission is invited by Monday 8 January.
Consultation has been foreshadowed for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.

November

Consultation has been foreshadowed for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is conducting a 5-year review of the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and the Commonwealth Fisheries Bycatch Policy. The Department is running a survey related to these policies. Responses close 3 November.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking input to an independent review of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance. Submissions close 17 November.

The Treasury is consulting on regulating digital asset platforms (e.g. cryptocurrencies and NFTs). Submissions close 1 December.

The AEMC is consulting on including emissions reduction in the national energy rules. Submissions close 7 December.

The Joint Standing Committee on Law Enforcement is conducting an inquiry into the capability of law enforcement to respond to cybercrime. Submissions close 15 December.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is reviewing the import risks for dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media. Input is due on 15 December.

October

The NSW Government is developing a Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy. Interested Fellows are encouraged to provide input by 29 October.

The Australian Government is developing a Future Gas Strategy. Interested fellows are encouraged to provide input by 30 October.

Consultation has been foreshadowed for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.

TEQSA has announced a consultation on assessment principles in the age of AI. Fellows interested in providing input are encouraged to do so by 8 October.

September

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has opened a consultation on Understanding our RNA Potential. Fellow input is encouraged to be submitted by the 15th of September.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has invited comment on the updated draft Science and Research Priorities. Fellow input is encouraged by the 18th of September.

Consultation has been foreshadowed for September for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.

Friday 18 August 2023

ATSE Projects: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies

The Department of Education has partnered with ATSE to develop a series of future-focused reports highlighting research with translation and commercialisation potential among Australian universities and businesses. These reports will inform the development and implementation of policies and programs. Work on two new reports, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies, has commenced. Fellows with relevant expertise are invited to contribute to the development of these reports, either through participation in a 1:1 interview or by completing a technology readiness assessment survey.
>> If you would like to be involved, please contact academypolicyteam@atse.com.au

Drought

Consultation has opened on the New National Drought Agreement

Climate change

The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee has opened inquiry into the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2023.

>> Submissions close on the 20 October.

Universities Accord

The Universities Accord Interim Report has been released and a consultation is now open.
>> Fellows are requested to provide input by 20 August.

Diversity in STEM

Consultation has opened on the Diversity in STEM draft recommendations.
>> Fellows are requested to provide input to ATSE’s submission by the 28th of August.

Western Australia
Consultation has been foreshadowed for September for a Western Australian 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.

Friday 11 August 2023

Research with translation and commercialisation

Work on two new reports, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies, has commenced. Fellows with relevant expertise are invited to contribute to the development of these reports, either through participation in a 1:1 interview or by completing a technology readiness assessment survey. If you would like to be involved, please contact academypolicyteam@atse.com.au

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Drought

Consultation has opened on the New National Drought Agreement.
>> Submissions close on the 1st of September.

Climate change

The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee has opened inquiry into the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2023.

>> Submissions close on the 20 October.

Universities Accord

The Universities Accord Interim Report has been released and a consultation is now open.
>> Fellows are requested to provide input by 20 August.

Friday 4 August 2023

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Higher education

TECSA is seeking input to improve its guidance notes for higher education providers. This consultation focuses on Academic and Research Integrity.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 24 July.

AI framework

The Minister for Education has announced a consultation on a schools AI framework.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 8 August. Submissions close 16 August .

Critical Minerals

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has opened consultation on Updating Australia’s Critical Minerals List.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 8 August. Submissions close 17 August .

Friday 28 July 2023

Industry Growth Program

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on the Industry Growth Program.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 17 July. Submissions close on 30 July.

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Residential Electrification

Parliament has referred an inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Senate Economics References Committee.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 August. Submissions close on 29 September.

AI enquiries

The Parliaments of New South Wales and South Australia have both initiated inquiries into AI in their states.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 July. Submissions close 18 August for SA and 12 October for NSW.

Higher education

TECSA is seeking input to improve its guidance notes for higher education providers. This consultation focuses on Academic and Research Integrity.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 24 July.

Friday 21 July 2023

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Residential Electrification

Parliament has referred an inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Senate Economics References Committee.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 August. Submissions close on 29 September.

AI enquiries

The Parliaments of New South Wales and South Australia have both initiated inquiries into AI in their states.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 July. Submissions close 18 August for SA and 12 October for NSW.

Higher education

TECSA is seeking input to improve its guidance notes for higher education providers. This consultation focuses on Academic and Research Integrity.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 24 July.

Friday 14 July 2023

Industry Growth Program

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on the Industry Growth Program.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 17 July. Submissions close on 30 July.

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Residential Electrification

Parliament has referred an inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Senate Economics References Committee.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 August. Submissions close on 29 September.

AI enquiries

The Parliaments of New South Wales and South Australia have both initiated inquiries into AI in their states.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 July. Submissions close 18 August for SA and 12 October for NSW.

Friday 7 July 2023

Industry Growth Program

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on the Industry Growth Program.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 17 July. Consultation closes on 30 July.

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been opened on a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> Submissions close on 18 August.

Residential Electrification

Parliament has referred an inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Senate Economics References Committee.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 31 August. Submissions close on 29 September.

Misinformation and disinformation

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking input on new Australian Communications and Media Authority powers to tackle misinformation and disinformation.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 12 July. Consultation closes on 8 August.

Friday 30 June 2023

Health and climate strategy

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a consultation paper on Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 6 July. Submissions close on 24 July.

Industry growth

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on the Industry Growth Program.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 17 July. Consultation closes on 30 July 2023.

Hydrogen

Consultation has been foreshadowed in a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy. No closing date has been announced.

Residential electrification

Parliament has referred an inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Senate Economics References Committee. Submissions for this inquiry are currently open, although a closing date has not yet been specified.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input for ATSE’s submission by 7 July as we proceed with the drafting process.

Friday 23 June 2023

Emissions reductions targets

The Climate Change Authority (CCA) has released an issues paper on Setting, tracking and achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

>> Submissions close on 30 June.

Health and climate strategy

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a consultation paper on Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.

>> Please provide input for ATSE’s submission by 6 July. Submissions close on 24 July.

Hydrogen

Consultation has been foreshadowed in a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy. No closing date has been announced.

Residential electrification

>> Fellows are invited to provide input for ATSE’s submission by 7 July as we proceed with the drafting process.

Friday 16 June 2023

Emissions reduction targets

The Climate Change Authority (CCA) has released an issues paper on Setting, tracking and achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

>> Submissions close on 30 June.

Murry-Darling Basin Plan

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has opened a consultation on Delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 19 June. Submissions close on 3 July.

The Productivity Commission is calling for submissions on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan implementation.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 19 June. Submissions close on 31 July.

AI in education

The House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has begun an inquiry on the use of generative AI in the Australian education system.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 12 June. Submissions close on 14 July.

Sexual harm in universities

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is consulting on their advice on preventing sexual harm in universities.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 20 June. Submissions close on 13 July.

HNMRC and MRFF funding

The Department of Health and Aged Care has opened submissions on improving alignment of NHMRC and MRFF funding.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 23 June. Submissions close on 14 July.

Health and climate strategy

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a consultation paper on Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 6 July. Submissions close on 24 July.

Responsible AI

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on supporting responsible AI.

>> Fellows are invited to provide input by 19 June. Submissions close on 26 July.

Hydrogen

Consultation has been foreshadowed in a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy. No closing date has been announced.

Friday 9 June 2023

Generative AI in education

The House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has begun an inquiry on the use of generative AI in the Australian education system.

>> Submissions close on 14 July. Fellows are invited to provide input to ATSE’s submission by 12 June.

NHMRC and MRFF Funding

The Department of Health and Aged Care has opened submissions on improving alignment of NHMRC and MRFF funding. Submissions close on 14 July. Fellows are invited to provide input for ATSE’s submission by 23 June.

Responsible AI

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a discussion paper on supporting responsible AI.

>> Submissions are due 26 July. Fellows are invited to provide input to ATSE’s submission by 19 June.

Murray-Darling Basin Plan implementation
The Productivity Commission is calling for submissions on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan implementation.

>> Submissions close on 31 July. Fellows are invited to provide input for ATSE’s submission by 19 June.

Friday 2 June 2023

Murray-Darling Basin Plan

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has opened a consultation on Delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
>> Submissions close — 3 July.

Friday 26 May 2023

Climate Change Authority

The Climate Change Authority (CCA) has released an issues paper on Setting, tracking and achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

>> Submissions close — 30 June

National Hydrogen Strategy

Consultation has been foreshadowed in a review of the National Hydrogen Strategy.

>> No closing date has been announced.

Friday 12 May 2023

Diversity in STEM

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is accepting submissions for the second phase of consultation on Diversity in STEM.

>> Submissions close — 26 May.

Infrastructure Victoria

Infrastructure Victoria is calling for submissions on their 30-year infrastructure strategy.

>> Submissions close — 28 May.

Friday 14 April 2023

Research Translation Project

We would like to invite any interested fellows to contribute to the ATSE Research Translation and Commercialisation project being undertaking in partnership with the Department of Education. The project will develop a series of future-focused reports highlighting areas of research with translation and commercialisation potential among Australian universities and businesses. These reports will inform the development and implementation of Government policies and programs relating to research translation and commercialisation in Australia.To achieve this, we would be grateful for input into a short survey that will form a key part of the project. In the survey, respondents are invited to identify up to three current and emerging areas of research that display strong translation and commercialisation potential in Australian industry. The survey should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey closes Thursday 20 April.

>> The survey can be accessed here

National Robotics Strategy

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is developing a National Robotics Strategy. Submissions close 7 May.

>> To contribute, please contact ATSE by — 17 April

Nature Repair Market

The Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is conducting an inquiry into the Nature Repair Market bills. Submissions close on 1 June.

>> To contribute, please contact ATSE by — 15 May.

Greenwashing

The Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is conducting an inquiry into greenwashing. Submissions close on 8 June.

>> To contribute, please contact ATSE by — 22 May

Friday 31 March 2023

Australia’s research translation and commercialisation priorities

The Department of Education has partnered with ATSE to develop a series of future-focused reports highlighting areas of research with translation and commercialisation potential among Australian universities and businesses. These reports will inform the development and implementation of Government policies and programs relating to research translation and commercialisation in Australia. The next project will focus on current and emerging areas of research that display strong translation and commercialisation potential in Australian industry. The identified areas must be critical for the Australian economy today, or could become critical within the next 10 years, and should leverage Australia’s research or industry strengths in the global economy. Your responses may be guided by, but are not restricted to, the seven priority areas in the national interest as set out by the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). If you are interested in being informed when the project is open for consultation, please contact AcademyPolicyTeam@atse.org.au.

Friday 10 March 2023

Diversity in STEM Review

ATSE will be contributing to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources review of Diversity in STEM. You can read more about the review on the consult.industry.gov.au website. If you have relevant experience or expertise and would like to contribute to the review, please contact us.

Friday 3 March 2023

Health Technology Forum

Consultation opportunity: Research translation of synthetic biology technologies

ATSE is currently leading a collaborative project with the Department of Education on a range of applications of synthetic biology. The discovery phase for this report is now complete, and ATSE is now completing a technology readiness assessment (TRA) focusing on Australia’s ability to realise the potential of priority synthetic biology technology application areas. The TRA will focus on:

Alternative proteins and novel foods.
Modification of crops and livestock.
Waste stream utilisation.

SURVEY — If you would like to complete the SURVEY, please do so here by COB 15 March 2023.

If you would like to nominate a relevant Fellow or non-Fellow expert to complete the survey,
please send their contact information to AcademyPolicyTeam@atse.org.au

Health Technology Forum

Report launch: Curbing antimicrobial resistance

Last year, ATSE led a collaborative project with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The report focused on technologies that could mitigate the impact of AMR to safeguard human and animal health, secure our food and primary industries, support trade and market access, and transform sectors.