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Government science showcased at Parliament House

  • Newsletter
  • Plants
  • Biosecurity
19 March 2024

In late February, two of our Chiefs attended the Government Scientists Group Parliamentary Friends of Science Showcase, an event promoting scientific expertise and capability from 24 government departments to parliamentarians and leaders of academic peak bodies.

Secretary Adam Fennessy PSM, Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, and Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer Dr Bertie Hennecke represented the department at the event, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP and the Hon Karen Andrews MP and organised by the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, with approximately 150 in attendance.

Spot, the DAff robotic detector dog poses in front of Dr Gabrielle Vivian Smith and Dr Bertie Hennecke.
Dr Gabrielle Vivian Smith and Dr Bertie Hennecke at the department’s biosecurity exhibit featuring ‘Spot the dog’. Credit: Mona Akbari

The government science that was on show, displayed the range of technologies and innovations in use by government including the department’s scientific capability in the area of biosecurity and innovation. ‘Spot the robotic dog’ stole the show demonstrating the department’s innovation team cutting-edge technology in detecting biosecurity risks. Our variety of biosecurity educational materials also generated enthusiastic engagement and sparked insightful conversations with parliamentarians and government scientists.

DAFF secretary, Adam Fennessy and Dr Cathy Foley making gestures in front of Spot the robotic detector dog.
Secretary Adam Fennessy and Dr Cathy Foley interacting with ‘Spot the dog’. Credit: Mona Akbari

Other displays included a virtual reality experience of ANSTO’s OPAL reactor, a mini satellite from the Australian Space Agency, a coral reef display from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and a demonstration of magnetic imaging from Geoscience Australia.

The Government Scientists Group also launched a new booklet capturing and highlighting the diverse scientific work undertaken across government. For more information: Government Scientists Group (chiefscientist.gov.au)

Karen Andrews MP with Mona Akbari at the biosecurity exhibit
The Hon Karen Andrews MP at the biosecurity exhibit with Mona Akbari. Credit: Mona Akbari

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Page last updated: 13 November 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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