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(Last Reviewed :  8/05/2007  )

ARCHIVE - The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP was the former Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. The following media release was issued during his term as Minister.  A new Government was sworn in by the Governor-General on 3 December 2007, including the following Ministerial appointments:

Senator the Hon Kim Carr - Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP - Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation.

For media releases from the current term of Government, please visit http://minister.innovation.gov.au

Media Release
The Hon Ian Macfarlane, MP

8 May 2007

Australia's nanotechnology industry is set to expand with the establishment of the $21.5 million National Nanotechnology Strategy, announced on 1 May 2007 by Prime Minister John Howard and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane as part of the Industry Statement.

"Nanotechnology is a tiny technology with massive potential.   It involves manipulating matter on an ultra-small scale to develop new products, devices and processes," Mr Macfarlane said.

"Nanotechnology is expected to have the same impact in the 21st century as information technology had in the 20th century.   The global market for nanotechnology is estimated to be worth US$2.6 trillion worldwide over the next decade.   From the puffy plastic bags that keep salads fresh in the supermarket to sunscreens and self-cleaning paints, nanotechnology is all around us in ways we don't always see.

"The Government will commit $21.5 million to ensure Australia captures the full benefits of this exciting technology while addressing health, safety and environmental issues.

"Australia is already a world leader in nanotechnology.   CSIRO has undertaken over 40 separate nanotechnology projects and over 60 nano-focused companies have emerged in the last five years.   CSIRO's new $36.2 million Niche Manufacturing Flagship will focus on developing nanotechnology applications." 

The National Strategy will draw together industry, researchers, the community and government to:

  • Establish a nano-particle measuring capability at the National Measurement Institute;
  • Address regulations and standards; and
  • Provide balanced advice to the community on nanotechnology.

"Australian industry must be competitive in this new technology.   We must work hard to earn our place in an increasingly competitive global economy.   The Government's 10 year, $1.4 billion Industry Statement, will ensure Australia has world class businesses based on world class innovation.   Nanotechnology will be an integral part of transforming these industries and helping them to become more globally competitive," Mr Macfarlane said.

For more information refer to the fact sheet at www.industry.gov.au.

Media contact: Claire Wilkinson, (02) 6277 7580 or 0419 840 452.

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

  • The use of nanotechnology based products is increasing in Australia and globally. 
  • Australian industry needs to be competitive in this new area of manufacturing and technology, which will have a large impact on the economy in coming decades.
  • Upgrading of capabilities at the National Measurement Institute (NMI) for analysing nanoscale objects is important for regulators, for providing measurement services to industry and in contributing to the development of Australian and international nanotechnology related standards.
  • Australia's health, safety and environmental regulations and standards need to incorporate the best international knowledge in this emerging field.

Who will benefit?

  • Industry through the development of metrology capability and other infrastructure that will encourage investment and uptake of nanotechnology.
  • The community and industry through incorporating scientific information and understanding of the impact of nanotechnology on regulatory regimes.
  • The Australian community through being better informed on the benefits and impacts of nanotechnology and certainty that impacts are being managed in a coordinated and responsible way.
  • Governments at the Commonwealth and state and territory level through better coordination and strategic focus of policies and programmes and international engagement on standards, regulation and policy.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

  • $21.5 million over four years to 30 June 2011.

What have we done in the past?

  • Research and industry innovation have been supporting nanotechnology R&D.
  • National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) projects in fabrication and characterisation are supporting the development of critical infrastructure to support nanotechnology research.
  • Through both the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) and a Taskforce developing 'Options for a National Nanotechnology Strategy' the Government is ensuring nanotechnology is being addressed in a coordinated way. 

When will the initiative conclude?

  • Funding for the initiative will conclude on 30 June 2011.