A new book published by the Acton Institute for Policy Research and Innovation confronts the persistent failure of successive Australian governments to deliver a coherent, long-term innovation policy. In Thinking in Public: Australia’s Missing Innovation Policy—Will it Ever Be Found?, author John H. Howard, a leading figure in Australian innovation and public policy circles for…
SGH has announced that Boral CEO and Managing Director Vik Bansal will step down, with the transition to a new leader at SGH’s building products division expected “in early 2026”. SGH, formerly known as Seven Group Holdings, said on Tuesday that it had worked with Bansal on “a structured succession to ensure a smooth leadership transition”. …
When a critical medication that protects Australia’s most vulnerable communities runs short, who pays the price? A new investigation reveals the shocking gaps in our pharmaceutical sovereignty. By Simran Gill. In late February, Australia faced a crisis that few noticed but many felt: a serious shortage of benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG), an essential medication used…
Australian researchers have validated a quantum machine learning model for semiconductor fabrication on experimental data in what they described as a world-first that could reshape how future chips are designed. A research team led by CSIRO demonstrated that quantum machine learning can outperform classical artificial intelligence in modelling Ohmic contact resistance, a critical process step…
The Australian Government announced on Monday it would invest $12 million to develop new Australian-made medical devices and medicine for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fourteen Australian start-up and innovator companies will receive funding and commercialisation support to develop improved treatment for management of cardiovascular disease and complications of type 1 and 2 diabetes.…
OneSteel Manufacturing announced on Monday the appointment of Amrit Mangat as the new general manager of operations at the Whyalla Steelworks. Mangat steps into the lead role after 14 years and multiple roles at the Whyalla steelmaking operation. He joined the steelworks as a reliability engineer after five years as a senior engineer for Rolls…
An invention born at RMIT University will go on sale for the first time ever in July, following regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for an ingestible capsule that can help diagnose gut disorders. According to a statement from RMIT on Monday, Atmo Biosciences’ device has moved “from concept to clinical reality”…
Researchers at the University of NSW were awarded nine grants through the most recent Australian Research Council Linkage round, more than any other university, for projects including the manufacture of perovskite photovoltaics, chemical catalysts to decontaminate water, and fabrication of quantum devices. Funded projects were across Engineering, Science and Arts, Design & Architecture faculties, the…
SEMMA welcomes government payroll tax threshold Industry representative group the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has said that it welcomes the Victorian government lifting the tax-free threshold on payroll tax from $900,000 to $1 million, but says raising it further to $5 million will provide further incentive for small to medium businesses to invest…
What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) DroneShield announces record-breaking order worth $61.6 million Counter-drone business DroneShield has announced three standalone follow-on contracts, worth a total of $61.6, representing “the biggest single order” in its history and topping its entire revenue of $57.5 million for 2024. According to…