National measuring body

The Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) has welcomed the establishment of a new national agency, the National Measurement Institute, to provide world-class measurement standards and services.

Announced as a budget initiative, the new agency will establish, maintain and disseminate national measurement standards, provide pattern approvals and calibrate measuring devices. It will also develop chemical and biological reference standards and provide chemical and biological measurement services.

The new body will be an amalgamation of the National Measurement Laboratory (currently managed by the CSIRO), the National Standards Commission, and the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories.

"From a high-tech manufacturing industry perspective, the budget delivered some certainty for key areas such as research and development," said Angus M Robinson, Chief Executive, AEEMA. "The overall macro settings of the budget are likely to be supported by AEEMA members."

Robinson added that AEEMA welcomed the funding commitment to an area which had considerable impact on the ability of manufacturers to compete in world markets - particularly if the new institute could live up to its promise of delivering a more co-ordinated and efficient approach to supporting manufacturing and service industries.