PMSEIC was established under the former Government in 1997 as the Government’s principal source of independent advice on issues in science, engineering and innovation and relevant aspects of education and training.

• 11 October 2009

The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) was established under the former Government in 1997 as the Government’s principal source of independent advice on issues in science, engineering and innovation and relevant aspects of education and training.  The precursor to PMSEIC was the Prime Minister’s Science Council established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1989.  This was then followed in 1992 by the Prime Minister’s Science and Engineering Council.

Given the appointment of a new Chief Scientist in 2011, the Government took the opportunity to consider the arrangements for the future conduct of PMSEIC.  The revised arrangements, announced on 20 January 2012, aim to ensure that PMSEIC remains relevant and able to maintain the best connection between scientific advice and policy. 

New membership structure

The new structure will:

• Make membership more streamlined.
• Meetings will be more regular at three times a year.
• The work program will include short term and long-term projects requiring disinterested scientific advice to government.

The new arrangements will ensure that the work program is more relevant to the needs of government, especially when considering longer-term policy outcomes.

Short-term projects

The Chief Scientist will draw on expert advice to provide further scientific advice to government on an immediate or short-term policy response. The relevant Minister will assist in an advisory role. The Chief Scientist would normally report back to PMSEIC within the next meeting cycle.

Long-term projects

The Chief Scientist will commission the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACoLA) to undertake in-depth, interdisciplinary research and produce a report on long-term issues requiring further research and advice. The relevant Minister will provide advice and the Chief Scientist will report back within 12 months.

Please visit the PMSEIC website to find further information including who the current members are, as well as reports and presentations that have been produced by the Council.