THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority's (AFMA’s) annual public meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 May 2018 in Canberra.

This meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to meet with AFMA Commissioners. All stakeholders are invited to attend.

 Where: Australian Fisheries Management Authority, 6th Floor, 73 Northbourne Avenue, Civic, Canberra.

Time: The meeting will commence at 9.30am and finish with morning tea by 10:30am.

Date: Wednesday 9 May 2018

RSVP: By Tuesday 1 May 2018 to Executive Secretary, Andrew Pearson, on: Ph: (02) 6225 5576

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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THE five-yearly Census provides critical data and information to support important Australian decisions by governments, community organisations, businesses and individuals.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is reviewing the information collected in the 2021 Census of Population and Housing to ensure it best meets the nation’s needs and informs Australia’s important decisions.

A public consultation, launched today through the ABS website, seeks input from data users, community groups and organisations on their data needs and the most useful information to collect in the 2021 Census.

Population and Social Statistics General Manager Dr Paul Jelfs said, “It’s important that our nation’s largest statistical collection remains relevant and meets users’ needs”.

“Submissions can be easily made via the ABS consultation hub,” Dr Jelfs said.

The ABS will assess any changes suggested through the submission process based on evidence and demonstrated need. We will seek to minimise the burden on the community by managing the number and complexity of questions asked in the Census.

“It’s wonderful to see quality 2016 Census data being used widely and this consultation process is about ensuring our 2021 Census data is even more valuable and useful,” Dr Jelfs said.

“The Census adds to the wealth of knowledge from other ABS data collections,” Dr Jelfs said

The ABS has been undertaking a comprehensive review of the operation of the 2016 Census and has identified areas of improvement for 2021. As we work towards 2021, the ABS will share our approach to how people can participate in the Census, our approach to ensuring privacy and security of information and how we provide the final Census results.

Submissions on 2021 Census topics close on 30 June. Following analysis, the ABS will publish preliminary findings from this consultation process then make recommendations to the Australian Government.

Details on how to participate, including instructions for making your submission and frequently asked questions are available online at http://www.abs.gov.au/census-consult

The Census of Population and Housing: Consultation on Content 2021 publication provides detailed information on the topics.

For access to the latest Census data, visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

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ENERGY Networks Australia welcomes today’s announcement of $26.25 million in funding from the Commonwealth government towards the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Australia’s gas network businesses will contribute $8 million towards the venture, in addition to investing in trials that will demonstrate how hydrogen technology can be used in our existing gas networks.

“The more than $90 million Centre will undertake cutting edge research that will accelerate a decarbonised gas industry”, Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“Our nation’s gas networks are a colossal system, delivering as much energy as the electricity networks, and in some cases, such as Victoria, even more,” he said.

“Applying transformational technologies of biogas, hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage to existing networks could build and maintain a highly reliable energy system.”

The industry-led research will continue to develop pilot trials and exploratory projects that network members have already started.

The deployment of hydrogen technology is the focus of the Centre’s research program, but additional fuels, such as biogas, are also being tested as alternatives.

“We have research proposals ready to go and are eager to move forward with trialling hydrogen production and storage,” Mr Dillon said.

“Decarbonising our nation’s gas industry will support our global obligations under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and simultaneously help to secure a reliable, affordable energy system.

“We need a suite of measures to decarbonise our energy and transport sectors. Countries around the globe are investigating the potential for hydrogen to play a significant role.

“Using existing and new gas infrastructure will be essential for Australia to benefit from the expected global demand for hydrogen.

“We look forward to working with the Future Fuels CRC over the next seven years and bringing new, innovative energy storage and supply systems to Australian homes and business.”

Research is expected to begin in July 2018.

www.energynetworks.com.au

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MINISTER for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne MP, will travel to Washington DC from 12-13 April 2018 to attend and deliver the keynote address to the US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries. 

The dialogue is part of the 2018 G’day USA program bringing together Australian and United States (US) industry leaders and experts, policy makers and senior business representatives to further develop collaboration on providing innovative capabilities.

During his visit to Washington DC, Mr Pyne will also meet with senior US government officials to highlight Australia’s innovative defence industry and promote opportunities for increased industry cooperation between Australia and the US. This includes discussions with the Deputy Secretary of Defence; Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and the Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

“Australia is transforming its defence force and investing in the capabilities necessary to meet Australia’s future warfighting challenges. As part of this transformation, we are expanding our defence industry to be more innovative, competitive and sustainable,” Mr Pyne said.

"For Australia, there is no more important bilateral defence relationship than the alliance with the United States.

“The 2018 US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries will build on the success of the previous four events in creating opportunities for Australia’s world class defence industry to explore future projects and areas of cooperation.

“The increased funding and support outlined in the Defence Export Strategy will support even more Australian businesses to achieve export success and contribute to the strength of this relationship.”

Minister Pyne’s visit will coincide with 18 Australian companies exhibiting at Sea Air Space 2018 in Maryland as part of Team Defence Australia. This is a record level of attendance for Sea Air Space and demonstrates the growing international presence of Australia’s defence industry.

www.drefence.gov.au

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