The 18th meeting of the National Science and Technology Council was held in Canberra, at Parliament House, on 20 March 2024. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the meeting and welcomed new members, Professor Reuben Bolt, Professor Mark Hutchinson, and Professor Mahananda Dasgupta. The Prime Minister acknowledged Professor Brian Schmidt and thanked him for his commitment and contribution to the Council, following the recent conclusion of Professor Schmidt’s second term.

In the context of the Council’s work, the Prime Minister reflected on the pace of change in modern society and the importance for government to engage with and shape the nature of the changes we want to see in Australia. 

The Deputy Chair, the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science introduced the two items the Council would advise on during the meeting: their perspectives on the revised National Science and Research Priorities and their advice on advancing the adoption of a circular economy in Australia relating to two topics—where Australia has a comparative or a competitive advantage, and recycling and recovery of critical minerals. 

Council members confirmed their strong support for the revised priorities and the readiness of the science and research sector to mobilise around them, and discussed how the Council and the Chief Scientist could support their implementation.

The Council discussed how Australia could facilitate a transition to a circular economy, and where we may face challenges. The Council also discussed the reuse and recycling of critical minerals in the circular economy context. The Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, attended for the discussion on the circular economy.

Deputy Chair, the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, thanked members for their participation and noted that the next Council meeting will be held in June 2024.