Posted: May 5, 2009 |
Regional Australian government tables nanotechnology recommendations |
(Nanowerk News) The New South Wales Government has tabled its response to the NSW Legislative
Council Inquiry into the use and applications of Nanotechnology.
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Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay said the Government
response emphasises mechanisms to ensure safety while still encouraging
innovation and industry development of nanotechnology.
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“This is about ensuring we have a business friendly environment for driving
productivity and high-end jobs growth in nanotechnologies whilst making sure that
appropriate mechanisms are in place to protect workers, consumers and the
environment,” Ms McKay said.
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The NSW Government response supports the recommendations from the Inquiry and
key reforms include the establishment of:
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• the NSW Nanotechnology Policy Coordination Committee to coordinate NSW
Government policy relevant to nanotechnology
• a Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Laboratory Network, a one-stop-shop for
materials characterisation and toxicology assessment.
The NSW Government will also work with relevant governments and organisations in
recommending to the Commonwealth that a National Council for Ultrafine Particles
be established.
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“Nanotechnology has many applications and is applied in fields including medicine,
chemistry, the environment, energy efficiency, heavy industry, aerospace, and
textiles,” Ms McKay said.
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“We need to make sure that regulation keeps pace with technology.
“This is particularly important for our high-growth industries in smart devices, cutting
edge materials and products related to nano-sized particles.
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“The Government response to nanotechnology will help NSW remain a national
leader in nanotechnology and protect existing jobs in this area,” Ms McKay said.
Ms McKay thanked the Government Advisory Committee on Nanotechnology noting
that the Committee brought together a broad range of NSW Government agencies
and the expertise of two eminent independent scientists to advise Government on an
appropriate response.
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Chair of the Committee, NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer Professor Mary
O’Kane said nanomaterials present complex issues.
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“Governments around the world are grappling with issues related to nanotechnology,
from the United Kingdom, the United States through to Australia,” Professor O’Kane
said.
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“It is heartening that NSW is leading Australia in setting up the Legislative Council
Inquiry.”
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The Government response to the Inquiry into Nanotechnology in NSW can be found
on the NSW Parliament website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/.
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