UPDATED to include Diversity in STEM consultation

The ASC is calling for members to contribute to two public consultation rounds. Please get in touch with us if you are able to contribute to an ASC statement on the below.

The Science priorities and statement

A refresh of Australia’s national science priorities launched on Thursday, with the Albanese government seeking wide input on the first change to the set of key research areas since 2015. Climate change, First Nations science and emerging technologies have been flagged by the government as potential new priorities.

A new science statement is also being developed and will outline the government’s vision for Australian science. It will reflect the updated priorities and consider how to address areas such as:

• enhancing both local and international partnerships in pursuit of shared goals – delivering national and international collaborations that reflect commonly held priorities
• the role of open access and data sharing – reducing barriers to collaboration and making Australian science more influential, visible and accessible to all
• a national science engagement strategy – connecting the public, research organisations and industry to:
  • enable and grow a STEM-skilled workforce
  • increase the science and technology sector’s responsiveness to the needs of industry, society and the economy
• the importance of scientific advice to inform decision making–ensuring appropriate mechanisms for providing government with independent, expert scientific advice.

There are clear areas of interest for the ASC membership. We are calling for anyone interested to get in touch rapidly so that we may put together a response as soon as possible.

Find more information about the terms of reference and the consultation round here. Get in touch at office at asc.asn.au

Our submission will be due 31 March.

ABS review of occupations

The ABS is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to reflect the contemporary labour market and better meet stakeholders’ needs. 

ANZSCO describes all occupations in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets and is used to inform and shape educational pathways, skilled migration programs and workforce strategies that equip Australians with skills to get jobs and stay employed.

Public consultation rounds will be held across 2023 and 2024 with each round targeting selected occupations grouped by focus area. The ABS will be inviting submissions on these focus areas through the ABS Consultation Hub. The consultation schedule provides information on how to participate.

Find out more here, and get in touch if you’d like to contribute to an ASC submission.

This round closes 28 April.

Diversity in STEM

Another public consultation opportunity has opened; a dialogue starter around diversity in STEM.

From the Department’s consultation website:

We want to hear your experiences with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Your stories and insights will help shape our vision to increase diversity, engagement and skills in STEM, and support pathways for diverse groups into STEM.

We welcome insights from all Australians. We especially welcome input from people in historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

We also welcome insights from organisations who support, employ, educate, learn from, represent or have policies and programs impacting people in STEM

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND RESOURCES CONSULTATION HUB

Go here for more information, and get in touch if you wish to contribute to the ASC’s response. We have until 11 April to provide our first submission.