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While Australia’s privacy law has made a
good start in encouraging better security hygiene, it may not go far enough to
get all Australian and partner businesses in line.
The privacy act will
pressure most Australian
business to provide information on sensitive data breaches since it mandates
the law on commonwealth government agencies, private sector organisations and relevant
businesses.
Its
one downside is that the penalties are far below those
of many recent privacy mandates. The
Australian maximum penalties of $360,000 for individuals or $1.8 million for
organisations – and breach disclosure applies only to organisations that exceed
$3 million annual turnover. This is a far cry from the European Union General Data Protection
Regulation (EU GDPR) which applies penalties of up to 4 per cent GDP or up to
20 million euros ($A30 million), whichever is higher!
Big fines are not the only incentive to
encourage better security practices, posture and hygiene. Privacy law should
help to encourage breach disclosure, with merit given to those that practise
privacy by design or who embed security into their data policy.
Organisations that can account for their
security systems and take steps to ensure they have the right technologies and
plans in place to ensure and prove protection, can use solutions that help to expose
or protect data, or report on the existing security policy that helps to define
their data processes and hierarchy.
There is value in the approach taken by the
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) in actively engaging with businesses in
the case of an incident and offering support before, during and after the
mandatory notification that would be triggered under the breach notification
laws. This also promotes the adoption of powerful mitigation techniques while
encouraging businesses to move to a better security posture and transparency in
data privacy and protection policy.
This is why my company choses to align with
the ASD security incident mitigation strategies, as it promotes taking a
positive approach to embedding data security into the business process from the
outset. The ASD also recommends many
essential technologies that can help organisations to automate and accelerate
the mission of implementing better data security.
Finally, security by default can help to shore
up response plans that can be ready in the event of a breach. We have always
aligned with security baselines like the ASD, that help to connect the dots
between the regulation requirements and the security controls. In the case of
bettering one’s incident response plans, practising the ASD security controls
will help to ensure that the proper information is available when the IR
process is conducted. Effectively, compliance with the data security mandate is
already built into the IR process.
Are Australians capable of providing
information on sensitive data breaches?
With the
right security solutions and proper preparation around security policy,
architecture and implementation, such as proactive assessment, and real time
prioritisation of security events, it is possible for organisations to provide
the full scope of a data breach.
But I’m not
convinced they are quite ready to do this. Given the recent string of data and
information breaches worldwide, there is still much to do to ensure breach
discovery and report perfection.
Evidence
from many recent reports on data breach investigations show that most
organisations are not quite to the point of adequate breach intelligence
reporting. According to the Ponemon Institute 2017 Cost of Data Breach
Study
sponsored by IBM, it still takes 214 days to identify a breach root cause, and
another 77 days to contain a breach. These numbers are still much too high to
align well with the current requirements listed in many data protection regulations
that call for 72-hour notification.
Compliance regulation holes
A few
obvious holes exist in the major Australian privacy mandates, such as the
exclusions of companies under $3 million in turnover. That represents a large
proportion of businesses and could account for a significant potential data
loss which would not be publicly disclosed.
The
importance lies in a deficiency in enforcement of the compliance regulations
and security controls. With data exploits and losses in the first half of 2017
topping more than the entire year of 2016, we must ensure alignment with the
security controls recommended in Australia’s compliance regulations. The key is
to ensure that security controls required by compliance regulations are
enforceable and measurable. This has always been a gap in the past, where
security and regulations have never filled the breach.
At least
one security vendor is focusing on directly aligning security technology with
regulations to address this gap.
Choosing
the ASD as a compliance baseline to help target security controls that need to
be in place to protect data is one way that businesses can immediately identify
anomalies in the business process, but assure that they have security data on
hand necessary to prove that the incident was dealt with proactively and that
the security control was enforced as per the data privacy policy of the
business.
New technology is also an incipient threat.
I believe that emerging tech is putting compliance standards at risk. We have
never had a period with more unsupported vulnerable applications and operating
systems globally as we do now. Many of
the recent major exploits, such as WannaCry were successful by preying on
unsupported system vulnerabilities – something that’s unacceptable in this age
of advanced security technology.
Our own technology has always recommended a
defence in depth approach with the proper application control and ironclad
protection on the front end. Just as the ASD mandates application whitelisting
as the #1 mitigation of its essential
eight, we advocate that applying a positive security approach that can
prioritise events in real time. Enforcing the trust policy will lead to
eliminating the risk of vulnerabilities, while automating the process of
identifying potential anomalies that target our systems and data.
Carbon Black recommends a defence in depth
approach with the proper application control and ironclad protection on the
front end. Just as the ASD mandates application whitelisting as it’s number one
mitigation, we advocate that applying a positive security approach that can
prioritise events in real time while enforcing the trust policy will lead to
eliminating the risk of vulnerabilities, while automating the process of
identifying potential anomalies that target systems and data.
News emerged recently
that the ASD utilises Carbon Black technology among its own data security
strategies.
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CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has spearheaded a groundbreaking achievement in clean energy by establishing a new efficiency benchmark for fully roll-to-roll printed solar cells. Collaborating with an international team, CSIRO scientists have successfully printed these solar cells onto thin plastic films, unlocking a lightweight and flexible solar technology that extends the application scope of solar cells.
This breakthrough promises to address the escalating demand for renewable energy by broadening the horizons of solar cell utilisation. Unlike conventional silicon solar panels known for their rigidity and weight, these printed solar cells offer high flexibility and portability, paving the way for innovative applications across various sectors including urban construction, mining, emergency management, space exploration, and personal electronics.
Dr Anthony Chesman, the Group Leader of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems, highlighted the culmination of over a decade’s worth of research and development efforts leading to this milestone. He emphasised the transition of CSIRO’s thin and lightweight solar cells from lab prototypes to practical clean energy solutions, citing their record-breaking performance achieved across interconnected modules.
One of the key enablers of this achievement is roll-to-roll printing, a technique that allows solar cells to be manufactured on continuous rolls of plastic, significantly enhancing production efficiency. Dr Chesman emphasised the accessibility of this manufacturing method, particularly for Australian manufacturers, given its widespread adoption in the printing industry.
The collaboration involved researchers from leading institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Monash University, the University of Sydney, and the University of New South Wales, showcasing a collective effort towards advancing solar technology. Their findings have been published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications.
Dr Doojin Vak, a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, highlighted the integration of automation in producing and testing thousands of solar cells daily, a feat unattainable through manual methods. This automation facilitated the identification of optimal parameters for the roll-to-roll process, accelerating the optimisation journey.
These printed solar cells incorporate an advanced material known as perovskite, which distinguishes them from traditional silicon solar panels. Dr Vak underscored the versatility of perovskite, which can be formulated into inks and printed using industrial printers. Additionally, the substitution of expensive metals with specialised carbon inks has significantly reduced production costs.
Perovskite, a novel class of solar cell materials, presents a novel alternative to conventional silicon-based solar panels. Unlike traditional silicon cells, perovskite can be formulated into inks and printed using industrial printers, offering a cheaper and more energy-efficient manufacturing process. Its lightweight and flexible properties make it highly adaptable for various applications, ranging from portable device charging to integrated building materials.
The roll-to-roll printing technique employed in perovskite solar cell production enables continuous and large-scale manufacturing, akin to newspaper printing. Although roll-to-roll production of perovskite solar cells has been previously explored, limitations in efficiency and scalability have hindered widespread adoption. However, recent advancements have resulted in significant efficiency improvements, making commercially viable production of perovskite solar cells at scale increasingly feasible.
While perovskite solar cells may currently lag behind silicon panels in efficiency and longevity at scale, Dr Chesman emphasised the unique advantages of flexible panels. Their lightweight and flexibility enable easy transportation and deployment, even in challenging environments like space, where CSIRO recently conducted tests to evaluate their performance.
Looking ahead, CSIRO is actively seeking industry partnerships to further refine and commercialise this technology. The agency’s efforts have received funding from ARENA as part of its Research and Development Program – Solar PV Research.
CSIRO’s achievement in printed solar technology represents a significant step towards realising the potential of clean energy. By pushing the boundaries of solar technology, CSIRO is driving the transition towards a sustainable energy future, both in Australia and worldwide.
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The government has announced an AU$140 million investment in Western Australia’s digital infrastructure which signals a significant step towards enhancing the state’s technological capabilities. Spearheaded by the Spatial WA programme, which has received approval through the State Government’s Digital Capability Fund, this initiative is poised to revolutionise land development approvals and streamline the delivery of crucial infrastructure projects across the region.
Developed in collaboration with over 30 State Government agencies, Spatial WA is designed to harness cutting-edge technology to create a spatially accurate 4D virtual representation of Western Australia’s built and natural environment. This digital platform aims to support key government priorities, including infrastructure delivery, planning reforms, and emergency preparedness.
At its core, Spatial WA will integrate spatial and non-spatial data, enabling the generation of analytical insights, predictive modelling, and the streamlining of digital workflows. The platform’s potential to unlock significant savings for the state is evident, as it facilitates the seamless combination of precise location data pertaining to roads, buildings, networks, pipelines, and other infrastructure across various government agencies.
The benefits of Spatial WA are far-reaching. By making critical data readily available, the programme aims to reduce wait times for planning applications, enhance the efficiency of maintenance work, streamline land development processes, accelerate approvals, and foster increased community engagement in infrastructure projects. Its impact is expected to be felt across multiple sectors, contributing to improved decision-making processes and fostering investment confidence, thus supporting efforts to diversify the Western Australian economy.
The AU$140 million funding allocated to Spatial WA over the course of 10 years underscores the government’s commitment to advancing digital capabilities in the state. Leveraging the Digital Capability Fund, this investment is poised to drive targeted efforts in digital transformation across the public sector and beyond.
According to the Lands Minister, the launch of Spatial WA represents a crucial milestone in leveraging technology for the benefit of all Western Australians. Recognising its potential to shape the future growth of the region, the Minister stressed the programme’s ability to enhance decision-making processes, streamline planning, and accelerate access to land, thereby bolstering investment confidence and economic diversification.
The Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister echoed the Land Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the government’s focus on advancing digital transformation to support Western Australians across all sectors. With significant investment and the collaboration of numerous agencies, Spatial WA’s capacity to save time, improve efficiency, streamline processes, and increase community engagement on major infrastructure projects was underscored.
Spatial WA is a testament to the Government’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving digital change across the public sector. Empowering agencies to work seamlessly in a spatially accurate virtual environment, this groundbreaking initiative sets a new standard in digital capabilities and underscores the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of Western Australia.
Aligned with the government’s commitment to digital innovation and transformation, the Western Australian Government’s Digital Strategy 2021-2025 seeks to propel the state towards a more inclusive, secure, and forward-thinking digital future, building upon the foundation laid by initiatives like DigitalWA.
The Strategy aims to revolutionise how citizens interact with government services by prioritising digital innovation and inclusivity. With a focus on convenient and secure online services, the strategy emphasised the importance of quality data insights and robust cybersecurity measures. It acknowledges the diversity of its population, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of digital proficiency, can access government services through various channels.
Building upon the DigitalWA initiative, the strategy aims to enhance the government’s ability to address future challenges comprehensively. By fostering whole-of-government capabilities and empowering the public sector workforce with advanced technology skills, the strategy seeks to create a seamless digital experience for Western Australians. Ultimately, it envisions a secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital future for the state, positioning Western Australia as a leader in digital transformation on a global scale.
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NSW Ambulance has launched a trial utilising advanced technology for the swift assessment and triage of stroke patients during transportation to hospitals. This initiative sees the introduction of the Medfield Diagnostics Strokefinder MD100 helmet, a state-of-the-art brain scanner, by NSW Ambulance paramedics in the Hunter region. This marks the inaugural deployment of Strokefinder helmet technology in frontline emergency response scenarios, extending beyond conventional hospital settings.
The trial, endorsed by the Minister for Regional Health, aims to expedite stroke diagnosis and treatment, potentially enhancing patient outcomes by ensuring timely interventions within the critical ‘golden hour’. The Minister underscored the importance of prompt assessment and treatment in stroke cases, emphasising the potential life-saving impact of early intervention.
The NSW Ambulance Commissioner highlighted the efficiency of the technology, noting its ability to conduct multiple brain measurements within a minute. The Commissioner noted the collaborative nature of the study, involving intensive care paramedics, neurologists from John Hunter Hospital, and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. The trial integrates the Strokefinder MD100 helmet with an innovative telehealth application, enabling paramedics to consult with neurology specialists in real-time to optimise patient care.
Leading the study is an Acute Stroke Services Neurologist at John Hunter Hospital who stressed the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis in stroke management, highlighting the need for seamless coordination between clinicians and researchers to refine frontline care protocols.
Preliminary data from the trial showcased promising efficiency, with nearly all patients undergoing scanning within an hour of the emergency call. The Minister for Medical Research hailed these findings as noteworthy, particularly considering the historically low rate of stroke patients receiving timely hospital CT scans in Australia.
A 27-year-old gym owner from Newcastle shared his experience benefiting from the trial after suffering an ischaemic stroke. His swift treatment within the ‘golden hour’, facilitated by the Strokefinder MD100 scan and telehealth app, played a crucial role in his remarkable recovery.
The Minister for the Hunter stressed the trial’s significance in addressing the heightened risk of stroke among regional Australians. In the Hunter New England Health District, where approximately 1500 residents experience strokes annually, such initiatives hold immense importance in improving healthcare outcomes.
The Member for Wallsend commended the involvement of John Hunter Hospital clinicians in the trial, highlighting the contribution of the region’s healthcare professionals to frontline research aimed at enhancing stroke care.
The collaborative effort between NSW Ambulance, Hunter New England Local Health District, Medfield Diagnostics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Titan Neuroscience Research Australia signifies a concerted commitment to advancing stroke care through technological innovation. Anticipation surrounds the forthcoming trial results, slated for release later this year, which hold the potential to reshape stroke management protocols and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
About a year ago, the NSW government announced that emergency department nurses in NSW were undergoing real-time stroke care training through a new virtual reality (VR) programme. The initiative was implemented in 27 hospitals across the state, aiming to enhance response times and treatment outcomes for stroke patients.
The VR training simulated real-life scenarios, particularly benefiting nurses in smaller hospitals with limited exposure to stroke cases. Notably, regional areas such as Tweed, Dubbo, and Wagga Wagga, along with major hospitals like Royal North Shore, participated in the programme.
The programme was designed to complement the NSW Telestroke Service, providing rapid stroke diagnoses and treatment consultations in rural settings. The TACTICS VR stroke training programme is a collaboration between the Agency for Clinical Innovation and the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Advanced Training Systems, aiming to improve patient care through innovative technology.
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Australia is embarking on a transformative journey to revolutionise its biosecurity efforts with the launch of the groundbreaking Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity (CAB) initiative. This strategic initiative represents a fusion of cutting-edge technologies and digital systems, strategically aimed at safeguarding the nation’s native species, crops, livestock, and food supply.
By convening a consortium of Australian biosecurity experts, CAB is poised to drive innovation, research, and investment, ultimately fortifying the country’s biosecurity defences and laying the foundation for a more resilient, digitally-enabled biosecurity system by the year 2030.
This transformative venture, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is set to receive an initial co-investment exceeding AU$55 million over the next six years.
In alignment with the Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 roadmap and the National Biosecurity Strategy, CAB is committed to fostering long-term national biosecurity outcomes through the deployment of innovative technologies and capabilities. These efforts are reinforced by the Australian government’s recent commitment to an additional $1 billion in biosecurity funding over the next four years, as announced in the Biosecurity Sustainable Funding Package in Budget 2023-24.
CAB’s focus areas include:
- Detection and Diagnostic Technologies: Research and development activities aimed at understanding, detecting, and diagnosing priority exotic pests and diseases utilizing advanced technologies and platforms.
- Intelligence Gathering Platforms: Initiatives to gather intelligence-based data to effectively address biosecurity threats and enhance market trade strategies.
- Intervention Technologies: Development and deployment of various technological tools to intervene or mitigate biosecurity impacts, ranging from on-farm solutions to national-level responses. This encompasses sovereign vaccines, antimicrobials, biomanufacturing, novel biocontrol methods, and biopesticides.
- Decision Support Systems and Modelling Platforms: Implementation of systems and platforms to support preparedness and emergency response efforts. This includes scenario planning, national response capability exercises, and real-time outbreak responses facilitated by advanced decision support systems and modelling platforms.
- Social-Economic Support: Initiatives to address the human aspects of shared responsibility and effective governance across the biosecurity system, promoting integrated approaches and community engagement.
- Performance Assurance Mechanisms: Implementation of mechanisms to enhance evaluation, monitoring, and performance testing of the biosecurity system. This includes cost-effectiveness analysis, success evaluation, and assurance mechanisms to ensure progress aligns with targets and objectives.
CSIRO’s Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton, underscores the critical importance of biosecurity in safeguarding Australia’s biodiversity, food security, and public health. “Our biosecurity defences must be robust, world-class, and science-based,” asserts Dr Hilton, emphasising CSIRO’s pivotal role in advancing this initiative.
Adam Fennessy PSM, Secretary and Director of Biosecurity at DAFF, emphasises CAB’s transformative potential in enhancing Australia’s biosecurity research and innovation landscape. Through strategic integration supported by technology, research, and data, CAB aims to realise the vision of a connected, efficient, and science-based biosecurity system outlined in the National Biosecurity Strategy.
CAB’s ambitious agenda includes a suite of innovative projects ranging from preparing for emergency animal diseases to deploying advanced pest management systems and developing real-time biosecurity alerts. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, genomics, robotics, and big data analytics, CAB is poised to revolutionise Australia’s biosecurity capabilities.
Moreover, CAB places a strong emphasis on empowering Indigenous communities to contribute their expertise to national biosecurity efforts, thereby fostering inclusivity and diversity. Additionally, the initiative holds the promise of enhancing regional prosperity and security by providing new funding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity initiative represents a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex national challenges. By harnessing technology and fostering strong partnerships, Australia is poised to reinforce its biosecurity defences and safeguard its agricultural industries, environment, and communities for generations to come.
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An AI-based health monitoring project, aimed at suicide prevention in NSW corrections centres, has secured funding from the NSW Government’s Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) programme for a group of researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW), led by Professor Bronwyn Everett, Dr Rebecca Bosworth, and Professor Wanqing Li. This initiative falls under the SBIR programme, which offers competitive grants to small and medium-sized enterprises to develop innovative solutions for challenges identified by NSW Government agencies.
The interdisciplinary team, comprising members from UOW’s School of Nursing and School of Computing and Information Technology, as well as collaborators from Western Sydney University and 3Aim Solutions, will explore the feasibility of utilising radar-based technology combined with AI to monitor the vital signs of individuals within NSW correctional centres, particularly those deemed at-risk of self-harm or suicide.
Professor Bronwyn Everett emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling pressing public health issues like self-harm and suicide prevention within correctional facilities. She highlighted the necessity of expertise spanning healthcare, technology, and firsthand experience in correctional environments to develop effective solutions.
The prevalence of self-harm and suicide attempts among individuals entering NSW prisons underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues within correctional settings. Current monitoring systems, such as cell cameras and routine physical checks by officers, have limitations in effectively identifying at-risk individuals and preventing self-harm incidents.
Throughout a three-month feasibility study, the research team aims to devise a real-time, contactless monitoring system capable of providing advanced surveillance of vital health signs in high-risk settings. This technological advancement could significantly enhance the capability of Corrective Services NSW to identify and respond to potential self-harm incidents promptly.
Dr Rebecca Bosworth, drawing from her clinical experience as a Registered Nurse providing healthcare in prison settings, emphasised the project’s potential to improve the health outcomes of incarcerated individuals. She highlighted the importance of investing in preventive measures through digital technologies to complement existing monitoring methods and address the complex healthcare needs of individuals in contact with the justice system.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Dr. Bosworth emphasised the significance of recognising prison health as a public health issue and the importance of developing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of incarcerated populations.
If the feasibility study proves successful, the research team will have the opportunity to seek further funding for a proof-of-concept phase in 2024. The NSW Government has expressed interest in procuring successful solutions developed through the SBIR programme, underscoring the potential impact of innovative approaches in addressing critical public health challenges within correctional facilities.
The efforts of the research team reflect a commitment to leveraging technology and interdisciplinary expertise to safeguard the well-being of individuals in contact with the justice system and contribute to broader efforts in achieving sustainable development goals related to health and well-being.
Nearly 70% of Australians with known mental health conditions avoid seeking professional help due to various barriers, including stigma, cost, and limited access to care, despite nearly half of the population experiencing mental ill health at some point in their lives, highlighting the crucial need for early detection and intervention, particularly among individuals aged 14-24. Apart from the human toll, mental illness imposes a substantial economic burden, with AU$10.6 billion spent on mental health services annually and reported productivity losses in the industry amounting to $39 billion per year. Recognising this pressing societal issue, CSIRO proposes a collaborative effort involving 20 PhD and Masters students from Melbourne, Monash, and Monash Malaysia Universities to explore AI-driven solutions for mental health challenges, leveraging real-world industry priorities to make a meaningful impact.
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The Array, a co-located digital games and esports development centre in the Northern Territory, officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant stride in Darwin’s technological landscape. The Array is designed to be a focal point for digital entertainment, education, and innovation commercialisation in the Territory.
To foster technological advancement and economic growth, the Territory Labor Government, through its Territory Innovation Challenge Program, awarded The Array the distinction of being the winning project to establish a digital games and e-sport centre.
Spearheaded by Dylan Bennet from an Australia-based video game studio and Nick Hanigan from an Australian leasing company, this innovative initiative promises to transform the region into a hub for digital innovation and gaming excellence.
Underlining its commitment to positioning the Territory for future investment and job creation, the Territory Innovation Challenges Program aims to propel the development of an innovation-driven economy. Minister for Business and Jobs Joel Bowden emphasised the strategic importance of The Array in catalysing the Territory’s foray into the burgeoning tech industry.
Bowden underscored the global significance of the video games and e-sports industry, citing its staggering revenue of US$215.6 billion in 2021, with the Asia Pacific region contributing substantially to this figure. He highlighted the Territory’s advantageous position vis-a-vis the Southeast Asian market, envisioning future investments that would fuel job creation and economic prosperity.
Dylan Bennett, CEO of The Array, echoed Bowden’s sentiments, stressing The Array’s role as a transformative force in the region’s technological landscape. Bennett credited the seed funding from the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Innovation Challenges Program as the catalyst for realising The Array’s vision.
He noted that The Array represents more than a refurbished historical landmark; it serves as a nexus where aspirations materialise, innovative concepts intersect with digital advancements, and the community collaborates to forge a more illuminated and technologically enriched tomorrow
The Array’s multifaceted mission, positions it not merely as a tech education institution but as a dynamic ecosystem fostering innovation and economic growth. He highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in empowering the local tech talent, enabling them to acquire requisite skills, innovate, and compete on a global scale.
The Array’s establishment heralds a new era of technological prowess and innovation in the Northern Territory. As the region embraces digital transformation, The Array stands poised to nurture a generation of tech-savvy individuals, catalyse entrepreneurial endeavours, and propel the Territory into the vanguard of the global tech industry. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and visionary leadership, The Array exemplifies Darwin’s ascent as a thriving hub of technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
The Array embodies Australia’s governmental goals by promoting innovation, technology, and economic development. It reflects initiatives like the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), which aims to foster entrepreneurship and research.
NISA underscores the significance of science, research, and innovation as enduring catalysts for economic prosperity and growth. Complementing broader governmental investments in these areas, NISA prioritises key focuses: empowering Australian entrepreneurs by facilitating access to new funding streams, fostering risk-taking, and leveraging innovative concepts; enhancing collaboration between industry and researchers to tackle real-world challenges and spur job creation; attracting and nurturing top-tier talent for future roles; and demonstrating governmental commitment to innovation and agility in operational frameworks.
The Array’s focus on digital skills aligns with programs such as the Digital Skills Organisation, which addresses workforce needs in the digital age. Furthermore, its location in regional Darwin echoes the government’s Regional Development Australia Fund, which supports economic growth outside major cities. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, The Array contributes to Australia’s broader goals of driving economic prosperity, enhancing digital literacy, and empowering regional communities.
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Innovative wireless charging technology, spearheaded by an AU$3 million grant from the Australian Government, is poised to revolutionise the electric vehicle sector, particularly for trucks and buses. The initiative, led by Swinburne University of Technology, seeks to integrate dynamic wireless charging systems directly into highways, paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric heavy vehicles.
This groundbreaking project, backed by an AU$ 8.2 million investment, aims to embed advanced wireless charging infrastructure along regional roads, thereby addressing the critical challenge of ensuring sufficient charge for heavy vehicles, especially when laden with heavy loads or traversing long distances.
The integration of dynamic wireless charging technology into road infrastructure represents a pivotal step towards creating a sustainable transportation ecosystem, one that promises to significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing overall efficiency and safety.
At the forefront of this endeavour is Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, head of the New Energy Technology Research Group at Swinburne University. Professor Seyedmahmoudian envisions a future where wireless charging systems seamlessly merge with road networks, facilitating a transformative shift in the heavy vehicle industry. He stressed the collaborative nature of the project, underscoring the shared commitment to realizing a sustainable transportation ecosystem that aligns with broader environmental goals.
The initiative brings together a diverse array of stakeholders. This collaboration underscores the collective effort to bridge the gap between research and practical application, leveraging the expertise of academia alongside industry partners to drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
Central to the project’s success are distinguished Chief Investigators, including Professor Saad Mekhilef, an authority in Electrical Renewable Energy, and Professor Alex Stojcevski, Dean of the School of Science, Computing, and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University. Their leadership ensures that the project remains grounded in cutting-edge research while actively contributing to tangible solutions for the transportation sector.
Professor Stojcevski emphasizes the project’s significance in translating theoretical advancements into real-world impact. By providing a platform for collaboration between researchers and industry leaders, the initiative facilitates the development of practical solutions that address the evolving needs of the transportation industry. Through sustained innovation and strategic partnerships, the project aims to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced transportation infrastructure.
The culmination of years of research and development, this initiative represents a watershed moment in the quest for sustainable transportation solutions. As wireless charging technology becomes seamlessly integrated into road infrastructure, the vision of a greener, safer, and more efficient transport sector comes into sharper focus. With unwavering commitment and collective expertise, stakeholders are poised to reshape the future of transportation, ushering in an era of unprecedented technological innovation and environmental stewardship.
The Australian Government’s AU$3 million grant to Swinburne University of Technology underscores its commitment to advancing the electric vehicle (EV) sector. By integrating dynamic wireless charging technology into highways, the initiative aims to address key challenges facing electric heavy vehicles, such as limited range and charging infrastructure.
This investment aligns with the government’s goal of fostering innovation and sustainability in transportation. Through collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government agencies, the project seeks to bridge the gap between research and practical application, accelerating the adoption of EVs while reducing environmental impact. By supporting initiatives like this, the Australian Government demonstrates its dedication to driving technological innovation and positioning Australia as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions.