Australian Science and Technology Council
ASTEC
1975 – 1997
Renamed Australian Science, Technology and Engineering Council in 1997.
Independent council of scientists, engineers and business people, with its own secretariat, that advised the Prime Minister on science and technology policy and published reports on research and innovation.
Names over time
- Australian Science and Technology Council1975–1997
- Australian Science, Technology and Engineering Council1997–1998
How it came into existence
Set up by executive decision in mid-1975 as an interim council, pending legislation, to give the government independent advice on science and technology; it filled the gap left when the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology was disbanded in February 1973. The permanent Council was established by executive action in April 1977 and placed on a statutory footing by the Australian Science and Technology Council Act 1978.
Legislation: Australian Science and Technology Council Act 1978
Changes during its life
- April 1977The interim council was replaced by the permanent Australian Science and Technology Council, established by executive action pending legislation.
- 1978The Australian Science and Technology Council Act 1978 (No. 81 of 1978) gave the Council statutory standing.
How it ended
Renamed the Australian Science, Technology and Engineering Council in 1997; under that name it was abolished in 1998, its advisory role passing to the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.
Main functions
- Advice to the Prime Minister on science and technology
- Reviews of national research priorities and capabilities
- Reports on technology and industry innovation
- Monitoring of the national science and technology system
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.