News

Unlocking a boom in ground-breaking cancer treatment

Australia has the potential to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of cancer-fighting cell therapy treatments, but our leadership must make some bold decisions if we are to...

World-first social media ban for under-16s

Australia will move to ban social media for children under the age of 16, with the federal government expected to introduce world-first legislation to Parliament before the end of...

The ‘tiny’ material revolution set to supercharge industry

There is fast moving technology revolution underway right now that has the potential to transform Australian industry — holding the promise of huge cost savings, massive productivity and improved...

$562m aged care tech overhaul off course from the start

The federal government’s overhaul of aged care technology was poorly planned and beset by delays as consultants and foreign software vendors were handed more than half a billion dollars....

Defence spent $90m on satellite tender before cancelling

Defence spent $90 million before cancelling a tender process, which had already selected Lockheed Martin, to own and operate three to five geostationary satellites, officials have revealed. The satellite...

A university ‘spin-in’ to drive the semiconductor sector

Macquarie University has ratcheted-up ambitions for commercialising technology in the semiconductor industry, launching an on-campus Silicon Platforms Lab (SiP Lab) in collaboration with local startup Atto Devices. The structure...

DTA resisters pique Cabinet committee interest

Federal agencies that go rogue and defy whole-of-government digital policies and standards are attracting the attention of the powerful Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet. Finance minister Katy Gallagher on...

Solving Australia’s commercialisation dilemma

One of the most cited comments on Australia’s STEM industries is our strength in science, and our lack of strength in commercialisation. This claim is not without foundation. In...

Canadian quantum firm links up with Macquarie Uni

Canadian quantum computing outfit BTQ Technologies has partnered with Macquarie University on advanced quantum algorithms and secure communications research. The strategic partnership, announced on Tuesday, will look to integrate quantum...

Accenture’s My Health Record deal to face market test

Accenture’s lucrative My Health Record deal will be market tested for the first time in more than a decade next year, with the Australian Digital Health Agency planning to...

Jobseekers ‘pay the price’ for latest govt tech bungle

Jobseekers are being asked to adjust their reporting to employment service providers to avoid a government tech glitch or risk losing their payments, shifting more burden onto vulnerable people....

Marles wants faster ASCA missions after complaints

Defence minister Richard Marles has defended the work of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator after reports emerged that the design phase on its first mission had been mismanaged. But...

PwC federal work ban extended until mid-2025

Consulting giant PwC will be barred from bidding on new federal government work until at least mid-next year, extending a public service directive mutually agreed by the firm and...