Opportunities for a smarter Australia
'Smart' infrastructure is highly efficient. If we can infuse intelligence into the systems that run Australia, we can make our country work better, faster and smarter: reducing traffic congestion; using less energy and water; running our companies more efficiently; and improving our quality of life.
Its development will help Australia to conserve millions of dollars of resources, make it easier for us to meet our carbon emissions targets, improve supply chain efficiency and allow us to compete in the global digital economy.
We asked leaders in their field for their views on how to create smarter systems that will create a sustainable future for our nation.
We invite you to listen to these thought provoking and insightful speeches from some of Australia's leading voices.
Ric Simes, Access Economics
Ric Simes is a Director of Access Economics. He heads Access Economics'financial services practice, advising on a range of public policy and regulatory matters and is Chief Strategist for the group's Investment Advisory business. He is also a Principal Fellow on the Melbourne Business School.
Ric Simes has had an extensive career in the Australian Treasury, financial institutions, economic consultancies and as a Research Fellow at the ANU. He was Senior Economic Adviser to former Prime Minister Keating between 1992 and 1996. His research interests comprise a variety of policy issues including finance, macroeconomic policy and trends, competition, regulatory design, agriculture and the environment.
Listen to the podcast now (MP3, 1.78MB)
In his speech, Ric outlines the Access Economics research findings, identifying some of the key inefficiencies in those areas of transport, telecommunications, energy and water, and also suggests some of the productivity gains that could be achieved if those issues were addressed.
Neville Stevens, Chair, NICTA
Neville Stevens has held a position on the board of NICTA since late 2002. He has had extensive experience in the development and implementation of policy in IT and Communications in Australia.
His 30-year career in the Australian Public Service included senior positions in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Secretary of the Industry Department. As Secretary of the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts he lead significant industry change through telecommunications reform, redeveloped broadcasting policy, and launched new policies for the information technology industry. Since leaving the public service, Mr Stevens has participated in and chaired a number of boards and panels involved with the development of the IT and Communications industries.
Listen to the podcast now (MP3, 2.55MB)
In his speech, Neville addresses and how digital technology, combined with communications networks is the enabler of smart infrastructure and how investments in transport and telecommunications are crucial to building a sustainable and efficient infrastructure for Australia.
Tim Flannery
Tim Flannery is one of Australia's leading thinkers and writers. An internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and
conservationist, he was named Australian of the Year in 2007. Currently a professor at Macquarie University, his books include the definitive ecological histories of Australia (The Future Eaters) and North America (The Eternal Frontier) and his most recent work, The Weather Makers, an account of Earth's climate pattern, how it has changed, how we have come to understand it, and what it means for our future.
Listen to the podcast now (MP3, 3.38MB)
In his speech, Tim brings an evolutionary perspective to the application of intelligent systems. He talks about the need for nature and technology to come together, and the fundamental transformation that's occurring to us right now.
Iven Mareels, University of Melbourne
Iven Mareels is the Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Melbourne and holds the Chair of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Dr Mareels is the inaugural research leader of the Water Information Networks research and development program in NICTA. He received a 2008 Clunies Ross Award, Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering for his work on Smart Irrigation Systems and in 2007 he received the inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Knowledge Transfer Excellence award from the University of Melbourne, for this work.
Listen to the podcast now (MP3, 2.33MB)
In his speech, Iven talks about water being the food of the world and that we are running out. He points to the need for our engineered processes and natural processes to work together to create intelligent water systems that will provide sufficient water for everybody.
