The 14th meeting of the National Science and Technology Council was held in Canberra on 24 November 2022. The Prime Minister opened the meeting and noted apologies from Professor Fiona Wood and Dr Larry Marshall. 

The Prime Minister welcomed Council members and thanked them for their continued service. He highlighted the critical role of science to the Government’s work across a broad range of policy areas and recognised the Council’s role in providing Government with expert science and technology advice.

The Council’s Executive Officer, Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, invited members to share insights from their respective fields of expertise. Council members discussed the target of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030, a circular economy in renewable energy, the launch of the STEM Women global database, the importance of research in achieving the goal of net zero emissions, and the role of mission-based policy. 

The Minister for Industry and Science and Deputy Chair of the Council, the Hon Ed Husic MP, noted the importance of the role of the Council in the Revitalisation of the National Science and Research Priorities and National Science Statement. The Council had a broad discussion about priority areas, how the priorities should be framed, and the approach to engagement and consultation. The Council also discussed the importance of embedding First Nations knowledge and science systems into the priorities. 

Dr Foley led a discussion on the Council’s work plan. The Council discussed ongoing work on STEM careers pathway, the Australian Government’s Diversity in STEM review and current work on critical mineral processing. Dr Foley noted the Council’s role in being available to provide advice to Government on policy areas across all portfolios as an essential part of its forward work agenda.

The Prime Minister, Minister Husic and Dr Foley thanked Professor Debra Henly for her service on the Council ahead of her term concluding on 31 December 2022.

The next Council meeting will be held in early 2023.