COMMERCIALISING research, fostering entrepreneurship and educating graduates for the future of work will be hot topics when the House Standing Committee on Education and Employment convenes a series of round-table style public hearings.

Over the next two weeks the Committee will conduct public hearings in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as part of its inquiry Innovation and creativity; a workforce for the future.

Committee Chair, Mr Andrew Laming MP, said representatives from government, industry, universities and local start-ups have been invited to participate in the hearings.

“Innovation is not just the domain of universities or start-ups. It requires close collaboration between businesses and universities to drive the development of new technologies and to ensure graduates’ skills are suited to the modern workplace.”

“The Australian Government also has an important role. Policy and legislation must keep pace with innovation by accommodating collaboration and encouraging entrepreneurship.”

“It’s important that the Committee hears a range of perspectives on these issues,” Mr Laming said.

“The inquiry findings will help shape a more innovative Australia able to remain competitive in the global economy and maintain high standards of living.”

PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Tuesday 19 April
VENUE: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
PROGRAM: 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm

PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Tuesday 26 April
VENUE: Seek, 541 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
PROGRAM: 9:00 am until 1:45 pm

PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Wednesday 27 April
VENUE: TBC, Sydney
PROGRAM: 9:00 am until 1:00 pm

PUBLIC HEARING DATE: Thursday 28 April
VENUE: TBC, Brisbane
PROGRAM: 9:00 am until 12:30 pm

Members of the public are welcome to observe proceedings. For further information about the Committee or its inquiry, please visit the committee’s website.

INFORMATION ON THE INQUIRY: contact the Standing Committee on Education and Employment inquiry into innovation and creativity: workforce for the new economy on (02) 6277 4573, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the committee website.

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VICTORIANS who have shown leadership in sustainability and a commitment to improving the environment are encouraged to enter the 2016 Premier's Sustainability Awards and share their stories.

Entries are now open for state and local government, businesses, organisations, community groups, and individuals who are leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices. 

Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said the awards are a great way of acknowledging groups and individuals that have made innovative developments in reducing their environmental impact, and are contributing to a more sustainable future.

“Delivering these awards each year means we continue to discover the passion and talent Victorians have for protecting their natural environment and thinking creatively about new sustainable practices.

“The awards encourage innovation across all sectors, with a focus on delivering a triple bottom line – environmental, economic, and social benefits for Victoria.

“It has been inspiring to see the awards continue to grow and strengthen throughout their 14-year history,” Mr Krpan said.

The Premier's Sustainability Awards continues to promote leadership and innovation in sustainability, and encourage a broader adoption of these practices by all Victorians.

There are 10 award categories this year:

• Built Environment
• Community
• Education
• Environmental Justice
• Environmental Protection
• Government
• Health
• Innovative Products or Services
• Large Business
• Small and Medium Enterprises

In addition to these awards, the Premier will personally select two overall winners for the Premier's Regional Recognition Award and the Premier's Recognition Award.

Entries close Monday 27 June, 5pm.

For more information on how to enter, key dates and to register to attend an information session, visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au

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THE Federal Parliament's Northern Australia Committee today recommended the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Bill 2016 be passed by the Australian Parliament in its report titled ‘Advisory Report on the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Bill 2016’.

The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility established by the Bill will provide up to $5 billion in concessional financial assistance for infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic and population growth in Northern Australia. 

The Committee Chair, the Hon Warren Entsch MP, said: ‘The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will provide up to $5 billion in concessional loans, but by leveraging private sector capital, the value of the infrastructure projects it supports will be far greater than $5 billion. The Facility will accelerate the development of an infrastructure base that can underpin the long-term growth needed to unlock the economic and social potential of Northern Australia.’ 

The report is available from the Committee’s website

www.aph.gov.au/jscna

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CEBIT AUSTRALIA, the largest and longest running business technology event in the Asia Pacific region, has launched CeBIT BLACK, a VIP program to connect the C-suite of Australia’s leading enterprise and government organisations.

Whilst CeBIT Australia has delivered inspirational and informative business intelligence to nearly half a million attendees over its 15 year history, CeBIT BLACK will create an exclusive invite only engagement opportunity for tier one enterprise technology leaders and a limited number of enterprise level technology providers.

CeBIT BLACK will welcome over 200 of Australia’s most influential technology leaders on Thursday 28 April at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, providing them with a unique learning and networking opportunity.

Harvey Stockbridge, Managing Director, Hannover Fairs Australia is excited to launch the dedicated CeBIT BLACK program.

“We recognise that the requirements of elite Australian businesses, and the enterprise and government level technology suppliers they engage, require a distinct event to cater for their needs.

“CeBIT BLACK will be held the week prior to the CeBIT Australia exhibition and conferences, and will feature presentations by Kathryn Parsons, CEO of Decoded from the UK, plus Scott Monty, Crisis Communication Strategist will join us from the US. The Hon Anthony Roberts, Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy, NSW Government will also present at the event.

“We believe events like this will assist the growth and productivity of services across the business technology landscape,” concluded Mr Stockbridge.

Registered attendees are from AGL, AMP, Bank of Queensland, Bupa, Caltex, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Cochlear, Deutsche Bank, Network Ten, Nokia, NSW Government, OFX, PwC, Qantas, Red Cross, Samsung, Twitter, Uniting Care, Veolia, Water NSW, Westpac, Woolworths and more. Job titles include, CIO, CTO, CEO, CMO, CISO and Heads of Digital.

The event will be emceed by ABC personality James O’Loghlin, and feature keynote speakers, entertainment and a charity auction in aid of The Smith Family.

CeBIT Australia: 2-4 May 2016, Sydney Olympic Park

www.cebit.com.au