Dear Secretary and Dr Warrington
Science and innovation are core to the Albanese Government’s vision for Australia. As the nation navigates geostrategic shifts, the transition to net zero, and rapid technological change, our sovereign science and research capability is more important than ever.
Innovation underpins our efforts to make Australia’s economy more productive, resilient and diverse. The government’s Future Made in Australia agenda seeks to maximise industrial opportunities arising from the net zero transition, and to secure Australia’s position in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is well positioned to contribute to and support these efforts. By ensuring consistency and trust in trade, NMI’s measurement science, standards and regulation drive efficient markets, enable fair competition and innovation, and strengthen the foundations of a high-performing economy. NMI’s support for government, industry and the community is critical to meet Australia’s changing needs and maintain confidence in our measurement system.
As a part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and as the regulator for the National Measurement Act 1960, NMI should prioritise:
- effective, proportionate and risk-based regulation
- sovereign measurement science capability
- innovation and influence through partnerships and collaboration
- sustainable and secure operations
- working collaboratively with my office.
Effective, proportionate and risk-based regulation
NMI plays a key role in safeguarding the integrity of transactions linked to measurement, underpinning more than $1 trillion of activity across the economy. I expect NMI’s regulatory activities to support the government’s agenda by ensuring a fair and competitive environment where businesses compete on a level playing field and consumers get what they pay for. NMI should continue to refine its risk-based approach to regulation.
The government is modernising Australia’s measurement law to be more flexible, to help new and emerging technologies get to market faster, and to safeguard fair trade through accurate measurement for both buyers and sellers. Reform should adopt a principles-based approach where possible, reducing regulatory burden and compliance costs while maintaining confidence in the measurement system and continuing to protect consumers.
I expect NMI to adopt best-practice principles for its regulatory functions as described in the Regulator Performance Resource Management Guide (RMG 128) and to align its regulatory practice and reform activities to the principles of the Regulatory Policy, Practice and Performance Framework.
To maintain public trust and confidence, NMI should set and publish clear key performance measures and service standards to show effective delivery of its regulatory functions and reform activities. These should be integrated into NMI’s performance reporting and the department’s corporate plan and annual report.
Sovereign measurement science capability
Measurement science provides a critical foundation for Australia’s economic and industrial development and the wellbeing of all Australians. NMI should maintain and advance its measurement science and services, boosting the productivity of Australian businesses by enabling them to translate new and emerging technologies into globally competitive products and services. NMI should continue to work constructively with other government departments and agencies to support economic, social and security objectives where its expertise adds greatest impact and improves national and economic resilience.
I expect NMI to evolve Australia’s measurement capabilities to meet national needs, by aligning its strategic priorities with national priorities and maintaining awareness of the government’s objectives in these areas.
Innovation and influence through partnerships and collaboration
NMI should foster partnerships that enable the translation of research into practical solutions and new capabilities that address the priorities outlined in this statement. Where appropriate, NMI should continue to collaborate with universities, other research agencies and international partners to develop its science and services and increase the capability and capacity of its people. It should maintain a focus on its measurement responsibilities and avoid duplication with other initiatives.
NMI should advance Australia’s interests in the international governance of measurement established under relevant treaties. NMI’s capabilities and the regulatory framework for measurement should be aligned with international best practice where this serves Australia’s interests. I expect that NMI will prioritise its engagement to maintain the confidence of our trading partners, leverage mutual recognition frameworks to sustain access to global markets, minimise barriers to trade for Australian businesses, and promote common regulatory approaches to streamline approvals.
Sustainable and secure operations
It is important that NMI’s operations are financially sustainable over the long term to secure its strategic capabilities. This will require NMI and the department to clearly prioritise activities and the allocation of resources, including working with me and my office when required.
I expect NMI to ensure its scientific facilities and partnerships are fit for purpose and that they secure and preserve critical Australian science capability. To protect its operations and the value of its expertise, NMI should work with the department and other agencies to ensure its cyber security, research security and intellectual property protections are robust and effective.
Working collaboratively with my office
I expect NMI to maintain close coordination with my office and across the department. This includes providing timely notice of significant announcements or events that may attract media or stakeholder attention, and early consultation on significant public documents or reforms.
I look forward to working with the NMI and receiving your responding statement of intent outlining how you will deliver on these priorities. For transparency and accountability, this statement of expectations and your statement of intent should be made available on the department’s website.
Yours sincerely
Tim Ayres