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Positioning Australia as a top-tier innovation nation

  • Written by Senator Cash


The Turnbull Government today welcomed the release of Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation, prepared by Innovation and Science Australia. The plan sets out a vision for Australia to become a top tier innovation nation by 2030.

The 2030 Plan was released at Astor Industries in Lakemba, who in partnership with Dresden Optics is using recycled plastics to create glasses frames that Dresden Optics is selling in stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

Their partnership has seen Dresden Optics grow from an idea to become a successful local business. Astor has diversified its business and helped create new opportunities for existing workforce. They are literally creating new jobs from the shop front through to the factory floor.

Each of these companies has benefited from Government support, and has just received new funding to research the use of recycled plastics even further.

These companies working together show that innovative thinking can be a job creator.

The 2030 Plan seeks to create a high performing innovation system that will be integral to Australia's future and companies like Astor and Dresden. The plan builds on the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA).

Since the NISA was launched, record levels of funding has been raised in the private sector that is available to small and innovative companies. The NISA STEM programmes are reaching thousands of children to inspire the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs, and the Landing Pads are helping Australian businesses get a foothold in overseas markets.

The plan makes 30 recommendations – ranging from education and training to research, development and regulation – to support Australia’s innovation system and make us a world-leader.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaela Cash said the Government can and should play a leading role in creating an Australian innovation culture which is the reason we launched the NISA.

“The Government welcomes this report and has already moved to action some of the recommendations, such as our commitment last week to fund ground-breaking research to preserve the Great Barrier Reef. Helping to secure 64,000 jobs reliant on it, and the $6.4 billion contribution it makes to the economy.” said Minister Cash.

“In regards to research infrastructure, we have already provided $70 million for the NCI supercomputer at ANU, and the Government is preparing a full investment plan in response to the Chief Scientist’s National Research Infrastructure Roadmap”.

The Government will carefully consider ISA’s recommendations and how it can build upon existing measures including those implemented under the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The Government will continue to support Australian small and family businesses as part of its innovation and science agenda. Small businesses are the engine room of job creation and a key part of the innovation system so it’s important they can grow and diversify.

“Innovation is creating the jobs of tomorrow. Every Australian can benefit from and be innovative regardless of age or job, and for us to become a top tier innovation nation we need everyone to be involved.

“Last year we had record jobs growth and it is small high-growth firms that are significantly contributing to the creation of these jobs.

“Through further investment in the small and innovative business sector we can ensure we continue our record jobs and GDP growth.”

The Innovation Science Australia report Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation can be found here: https://industry.gov.au/Innovation-and-Science-Australia/Australia-2030/Pages/default.aspx

How to Keep Your Employees Safe in the Workplace

  • Written by News Feature Team


If you are running a business that has employees, even if there’s only one, then you have to make sure that the environment they work in is safe. Although you might think that your office or warehouse is a safe place, there are often things that can get overlooked. What you don’t want is any member of staff to have an accident. Not only could it be serious for them, but it can also result in a lawsuit against your company. Here are some of the ways you can help keep your workers safe.

Know the Law

Before you start to look at your office or warehouse, you need to be aware of what the law requires of you. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of business you run, so check the details to see what areas you need to focus your efforts on to be compliant. It is also important that you make your employees aware of the law so that they can help to maintain the correct standards and also alert you to any new problems that may arise.

Completing Risk Assessments

One of the first things you need to do is look at all of the things that could constitute a risk based on the law. Then, you need to write a risk assessment that outlines the risks and how you are going to address them. It might be that you need to provide protective clothing, or perhaps add additional safety measures. For example, if you have forklift trucks operating in the warehouse, then you need to ensure that all operators are fully trained and also that there are barriers such as Verge Safety Barriers protecting other workers.

Training

Another requirement that the law will require is that you give your employees all the training they need to do their job. You can give them this training yourself, or if you are unable to do that, some companies will provide this training for you. None of your employees should undertake their duties until they have completed this training. If you replace or add any equipment to your company, additional training will need to be carried out.

Maintain Regular Assessments

To help stay within the law and protect your workers, you should complete regular assessments of the procedures and machinery. The machinery should be routinely checked for damage or any errors that could cause injury. Safety guards and equipment must also be checked and anyone not using them should be briefed and assessed. Part of your working requirement is that you have adequate insurance, so if your workers are not following procedures, your insurance might not cover you or them. These assessments need to be logged and any action needed should be noted.

Every employer wants what’s best for their workers, by ensuring you are working within the law and providing the correct equipment, you are ensuring their safety. You are also showing your workers that you are a responsible employer that will put their safety first before the company’s profits.

 

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