Why measurement matters

Our measurement system and standards give Australians confidence in technology and trade across a rapidly changing world. We need new measurement standards and capabilities all the time as technology evolves and as our needs in society and trade change. Measurement affects everything we do.

[National Measurement Institute logo animates into full view. Uplifting music plays.]

From early civilisation to the digital world of today, we have measured the world to understand it. 

[View of night sky over gum trees. Man pressing button on an iPad with home temperature control icons. A sextant and compass on historical maps. View of earth from space orbiting the sun.] 

The passing of time.

[A microwave oven timer being pressed by a person.]

The weight of products.

[A person placing bananas on a supermarket scale.]

The flow of electricity.

[Close up of an electrical light globe.]

The brightness of light.

[Traffic lights changing from red to green.]

Measurement affects everything we do.

[A city street scape at nighttime with cars passing by. Pan out to an aerial shot of a city with connecting data lines moving in many directions.] 

The National Measurement Institute is Australia's trusted measurement authority.

[The National Measurement Institute building in Sydney, Australia] 

Our measurement system and standards give Australians confidence in technology and trade across a rapidly changing world.

[An animated diagram depicting the International System of Units on a maroon background. Camera moves to a close-up of the kilogram section to reveal a man placing fish on a scale in a market. A city street scape with trams and cars and pedestrians walking.] 

New measurement standards and capabilities are needed all the time as technology evolves and as our needs in society and trade change.

[A man looking at an iPad in front of an aeroplane engine that is highlighted with digital animation. Aerial view of a ship port with an overlay of numbers moving across the screen.] 

Accurate measurement drives global trade.

[Measurement scientist in a lab conducting a measurement with a laser beam.] 

We support the productivity and growth of Australian industries by opening new markets and trade opportunities.

[Aerial view of tractor and truck harvesting a grain crop. Aerial view of a road train driving in the Australian desert.] 

Our robust research and testing enable trade between nations and strengthen our ability to manufacture and produce in Australia.

[Aerial view of a cargo ship loaded with cargo at sea. A woman in a warehouse checking inventory on an iPad.] 

Our measurement laws underpin commerce and trade.

[Street scape with people walking past a digital trade screen showing trade data.]

We help create a level playing field between buyers and sellers to ensure they get what they pay for.

[View of street market with a busy crowd of people moving through it.] 

From putting petrol in the car to buying groceries at the supermarket, we check that the measuring instruments used for trade are correct.

[A woman putting petrol in her car at a petrol station at sunset. Supermarket staff member handing a customer her receipt and smiling. A trade measurement officer placing weights onto a weighing machine at a market.]

Our research supports everyday life, making it safer, more productive and future ready. 

[A woman using an augmented reality device to look at a street map while walking outside. Family with four young children preparing a meal in a modern kitchen. A middle aged adult woman with a smartwatch analysing data while exercising outdoors. Grandfather measuring his grandchildren’s heights on doorway at home. Closeup of an old Asian man sleeping at night wearing a smartwatch to monitor sleep status.] 

We create the measurement standards and methods for new renewable industries to support energy security.

[Drone clip flying towards rows of wind turbines in rural Australia. Text on screen reads ‘Supporting Australia’s energy transition’. Aerial view of solar panel farm in Australia.] 

We help create a future with reliable, low emissions technologies to power our homes, our transport and our industries.

[Two electrical engineers looking at a solar panel outside. Two workers install a solar panel at a solar farm. Person on a house roof checking rooftop solar panels. Close up of woman charging her electric car at an outdoor station. A male electrical engineer walking in a field at sunset at an electric power station.] 

Measurement plays a crucial role in protecting our society.

[Timelapse of Sydney streetscape with city traffic and pedestrians] 

We are pioneering new ways to detect prohibited substances and reduce the illicit drug trade.

[Female measurement scientist in a laboratory setting up a forensic test. Text on screen reads ‘Innovation in forensic and drug testing’. Close up of forensic drug test including vials and automated pipette taking samples.]

We empower law enforcement to disrupt illegal networks and protect the community against emerging drug threats.

[Bags of drugs seized by Australian Border Force lined up on the ground with Australian Border Force in background. Police escorting a young handcuffed woman into a police station.] 

We support the fight to protect the integrity of competition and the promotion of clean sport.

[Aerial view of five male athletes competing in a running relay race on a running track. Text on screen ‘Promotion of clean sport’. Slow motion shot of a professional swimmer training in a lap pool.]

As a World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory, we help create a level playing field for all.

[Close up of a laboratory test being undertaken in the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, with an automated robotic pipette taking sample from vials. Slow motion wide low angle of a female high jumper jumping over the bar and landing on the mat.] 

 

Measurement is the foundation that gives us confidence in the world around us and helps shape the future for generations to come.

[An animated diagram of the International System of Units on a maroon background. Each segment fades to an image representing the relevant measurement unit. This includes: a shopkeeper and a trade measurement officer checking weights, a tape measure, a timer on a microwave oven, a lightbulb, an electronic weather station, a trade measurement officer checking fuel at a petrol pump and a traffic light. Diagram fades to image of wide view of Earth in space, centred on the Australian continent.]

 

We create trusted measurement for a fair, safe, healthy, and competitive Australia.

[Camera zooms to an aerial shot of a city with connecting data lines moving in many directions.] 
[Video ends with the aerial shot of data lines moving into a grid of 9 images, representing scenes from the video. Fades to time lapse of night sky over gumtrees. With a final white panel showing the Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources crest and National Measurement Institute logo in the centre of the screen.] 

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What we do

We lead Australia’s measurement system. To do this, we:

  • develop and maintain national measurement standards that are recognised internationally
  • deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services
  • administer the regulatory framework for measurement.

Our work supports the productivity and growth of Australian industries. We create trusted measurement for a fair, safe, healthy and competitive Australia.  

Our areas of impact

We support a range of Australian stakeholders through our measurement activities, including:

Find out more about the measurement services we deliver to support key areas of the economy:  

NMI represent Australia in the international systems of scientific and legal measurement and contributes to them, including the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

NMI is an integral part of Australia’s standards and conformance infrastructure and works closely with our partners NATA, Standards Australia, JAS-ANZ.

Laws and regulation

NMI is responsible for leading, developing and maintaining Australia’s measurement system. We ensure that Australia’s measurement system can be trusted.

We administer laws for:

Our measurement laws underpin commerce and trade. We help create a level playing field between buyers and sellers to ensure they get what they pay for. 

Chief Metrologist and CEO

  • Chief Executive Officer and Chief Metrologist
    Dr Bruce Warrington is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Metrologist of NMI. He leads a team of more than 350 employees across Australia who fulfil NMI’s roles and responsibilities as Australia’s peak body for measurement. The Chief Metrologist is appointed by the Secretary of the department and has functions outlined in the National Measurement Act 1960 and subsidiary legislation.

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