[ASA] Fwd: STA Member Update | 15 May 2026

Fri May 15 16:57:28 AEST 2026

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The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member organisations. Please forward to your executive and membership, including the policy submission and funding opportunities below.
15 May 2026
Dear Richard,

I have just finished delivering a Post-Budget Briefing<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SV3TC6XQ4Lf1Oz3DYU5srU51itE?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> for STA Members and the feedback is clear. While there are winners and losers in any Federal Budget, there couldn’t be a better description for the R&D industry. Many of us will need time to digest and process the detail and the mixed feelings it has created.

We are pleased our consistent advocacy for more funding for CSIRO has been heeded, along with a commitment to increase Medical Research Future Fund disbursements, and we asked not to delay starting the first steps in implementing the Ambitious Australia report’s 35 recommendations.

The Government should be credited for progressing the proposed new national governance structure and initiating reforms to taxation and venture capital settings, albeit with some lingering questions around implementation.

But there is a painful reality of around $1.5 billion in grant funding over the forward estimates being lost to non-government researchers and industry, which cannot be overstated. And the spectre hanging over the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy is now visible in black and white: a projected $200 million decline in 2029-30.

So, where to from here? As we highlighted to the media<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OzdQC71R2NTQplPq1CqtAUoWe6u?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, we must now seek engagement from across all relevant Government portfolios for the implementation of the Ambitious Australia report<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uSQXC81V0PTzv1JrpuwuvUy0rM4?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. To support this, in the coming months we will be showcasing key examples of R&D in action across the six National Innovation Pillars.

And, later this year we will launch the pilot for our new Science Meets the Economy<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/g57iC91WPRTM3QZ1ES0CnUq7Tmb?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> program. Building on the success of Science Meets Parliament and our other programs that equip STEM professionals with skills to engage in policy and media. Now we are building understanding of the business world. Register for updates on the website if you haven’t already.

Science & Technology Australia was created 41 years ago to help coordinate advocacy during a science funding crisis. It is sobering that we find ourselves here again, but rest assured: we are here for you.

When I am looking for inspiration, I often turn to our Superstars of STEM. This past week Dr Sonu Yadav was awarded NT News 2026 Woman of the Year in STEM<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fxJYC0YKPviMoVE8wSrFBU9P1r5?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. In accepting the award she said, “I love science and it’s incredibly rewarding to apply it to solving real-world challenges.” Hear, hear Sonu. After all, that’s the can-do attitude our industry has been built upon.

With best wishes,

Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

REPORTS AND POLICY

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All 2026–27 Budget documents can be found here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KyOMCgZ0N1im09gkZSyH7U4SUlM?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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The Prime Minister released joint statements with Japan’s Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, on Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Jo1hCjZ1N7i35869QSYI8UmvSAb?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Critical Minerals Cooperation<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/q4OtCk81N9trW9LNzUySLUGUOXS?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> and Energy Security<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/HJw1Clx1NjiAnx97NSDTzUzlp35?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, as well as establishing a new cyber security partnership<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xGwwCmO5gluAJz02NSEUkURvpAT?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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The Minister for Environment and Water, Murray Watt, launched consultation on settings for the National Environmental Protection Agency<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/mSoDCnx1jniKOvy5Ni1cRUJ10Zo?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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The Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced ‘targeted consultation’ on the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_pg4CoV1kpfBqEo43hrfJUpoEnk?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

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The Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water is consulting on the exposure draft of the National Environmental Standard for Environmental Offsets<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KXLMCp81lrtvMmlD3Hph8UG5oKL?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. Submissions close 9 June.
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The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is consulting on regulatory changes to rodent pest control products<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uYXPCq71mwfz0Z4Wju1iRUEeGUr?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. Submissions close 11 June.
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand is consulting on a proposal<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/w380Cr81nyt1VEN9lUDs0U48avx?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> to require foods for sale in Australia and New Zealand to display a health star rating symbol. Submissions close 21 June.

For policy related matters contact STA Director of Policy and Engagement Sarah Tynan<mailto:sarah.tynan at sta.org.au>.
Browse the complete list of reports, policy news, and opportunities for submissions in our LinkedIn newsletter.
View LinkedIn newsletter<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GwjaCvl1rKi2NxBXzuVtoUQrIXx?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
GRANT FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES

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Nominations for the NSW Premier Prizes for Science & Engineering<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QhF9CwV1vMfA8KOp3SyuVUJqdB1?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> close 18 May. Get your applications in now before it’s too late.
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Nominations for the Women in Technology Awards<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-alFCxngwOf9MkGOoUyCVUylkKx?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> are open until 30 May.
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Applications for the 2026 WILD Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OkDCCyojxQT0XZjn5HEFvUx0CkZ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> close 31 May. The program provides up to 30 STEM women with the network, skills and qualifications they need to move into senior leadership and board roles.
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The Australian Academy of Science prizes and awards<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/3tAcCzvkyVCxg6PLouGHLU9Ytys?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> close on 1 June and include senior and early career awards across the sciences.
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Nominations for the South Australian Citizen Science Award<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1_DuCANpgjCn64mYAt0IAUGRaZe?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> are now open, closing 14 June.
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Nominations are open for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/R8EtCBNqjlCM6jZo5SyS5U2CIQp?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, closing on 16 June.
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Do you know a young person who is curious about STEM and what comes next? The 2026 National Youth Science Forum Sydney STEM Hub<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/c7gqCD1vlpTnvq6Plt4TrUjvFjX?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> is a 3-day immersive experience connecting Years 10–12 students with real study options and STEM careers taking place 7-9 July. Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Pk6DCE8wmrtg9LAP5S9UxU7dOQc?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

MEMBER NEWS
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Post-Budget Briefing
The Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday. Earlier today we held our Post-Budget Briefing online for STA members. In the briefing we covered STEM-related announcements in the Budget, how proposed measure may affect the STEM sector and next steps in engagement or consultation on budget announcements. You can view the recording here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/lgjxCJyBrGf1rZ4XEUMfoUyhz-H?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> and find the analysis here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Ae04CK1DvKTBEOAJ5hKh4U5u3Ao?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/91FQCL7EwMfmjKovnSVikUyGgkY?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OVmTCMwGxOtROXol4crs8U8qboZ?domain=mcusercontent.com]
Women in STEMM Leadership Summit
The 2026 Women in STEMM Leadership Summit<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-ReBCNLJyQUEl7nRmHqtzUyU25S?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> is organised by the Women Leaders Institute in partnership with STA. One of STA’s strategic goals is to drive diversity and inclusion in the sector. The Summit will be an important contributor to putting action to this. STA members interested in attending the summit can use the code STA100 to receive a discount.
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Accreditation Matters
STA members NATA’s annual conference Accreditation Matters 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SqH7CQnMBZf3AODxjSzFOUGhHLR?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> early bird registrations close 30 May. AM2026 is Australia's biggest conference on standards, measurement, testing, accreditation and conformity assessment. The two-day program will take place in Melbourne on 7-8 July.  Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/kWozCROND2uRmEKVqckHGU1zew4?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> to receive the early bird discount.

STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/joMECVARKgC5w34voiXIBUEdVm9?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

Want the latest news from Science & Technology Australia? Subscribe to our media release distribution list<mailto:media at sta.org.au>, it is open to all.

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