KEY POINTS
- NMI is responsible for physical, chemical, biological and legal metrology. NMI maintains and develops Australia's national standards of measurement and provides traceability to international and national standards underpinning measurements used in trade and industry. NMI also develops reference standards for developing and calibrating chemical and biological measurement.
- NMI is now also responsible for administering the new National Trade Measurement system. Before 1 July 2010, each state and territory undertook trade measurement functions – meaning consumers and businesses alike had to contend with up to 8 different regulatory systems. From 1 July, a single national regulatory system offers consistency of regulatory approach – which is important as transactions worth around $400 billion each year are directly based on measurement. There is also streamlined access to the system through a single national hotline – 1300 NTM NMI (or 1300 686 664) and email address (infotm@measurement.gov.au).
- NMI provides technical advice to government agencies on policies involving measurement matters. The policy issues relate to almost all aspects of life and include health, environment, utilities, communications, manufacturing and service industries, policing and defence.
- NMI's services include calibration at the highest level of accuracy, pattern (type) approval of measuring instruments and a broad range of chemical measurements to support industry and government. These include the food and environmental industries, the detection of drugs used in sport, and illicit drugs.
- NMI also works with industry to develop new and more accurate measurements and to transfer technology to clients. As part of its work in managing Australia's units and standards of measurement, NMI represents Australia on international measurement committees under the Metre Treaty and the International Organisation for Legal Metrology.
- NMI will receive funding during 2009-2013 for metrology (measurement science) applied to nano- and biotechnologies under the National Enabling Technologies Strategy. As part of this funding, some laboratory space at NMI's Lindfield site has been refurbished to accommodate the bio-measurement work.
FACTS AND FIGURES
NMI was established on 1 July 2004 and is an operating division of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
NMI carries out statutory functions under the National Measurement Act 1960 in relation to Australia’s standards of measurement and related metrological responsibilities.
NMI has about 500 staff (mostly scientists, technicians, and trade measurement inspectors) located throughout Australia. NMI's Head Office is located in the Sydney suburb of West Lindfield with research laboratories located in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. There are also around 25 dedicated trade measurement offices around the country.
With trade measurement, NMI is responsible for the full spectrum of measurement issues, from the peak primary standards of measurement to measurements made at the domestic trade level.
More information on NMI, and trade measurement, is available from NMI’s website, at www.measurement.gov.au