Joint media release with the Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan and Senator David Van

New research will drive the adoption of environmentally friendly chemistry in Australian manufacturing that will lead to new products and processes with strong export potential.

New innovations based on green chemistry principles applied in manufacturing will increase the adoption of green and sustainable chemistry practices in manufacturing, and provide technical and professional training for the future research leaders in the industry.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan today announced the Morrison Government would provide $3.6 million to establish the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing at Monash University.

“This new training centre will put Australia at the forefront of using green chemistry, which means another advantage for Australia’s manufacturing industry,” Mr Tehan said.

“The centre will provide postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows with industry-relevant skills that will give them the confidence to lead the Australian manufacturing industry towards adopting green and sustainable technologies.

“Our Government is strategically investing in partnerships between universities, industry and government to drive the commercialisation of research.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said a competitive manufacturing industry often relies on good chemistry.

“Chemistry provides inputs for many manufacturing products and processes, as well as representing a global industry in itself,” Ms Andrews said.

“Backing innovation in green chemistry is a sure-fire way to create the jobs of the future.”

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO said the new ARC Training Centre would be part of the university’s established international hub driving transformation in Australia’s chemical industries.

“This development provides an engaging and high-tech environment in which students, academics and industry professionals teach, learn and collaborate to enhance the international competitiveness of the Australian industry, and ultimately help make the world a better place,” Professor Gardner said.

Senator for Victoria David Van welcomed the involvement of Monash University and the focus on high-end manufacturing techniques.

“Victorian manufacturers will look to the research undertaken at this training centre to better improve their own processes. This will ensure they are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly technology.”

The training centre will attract a total of $7.7 million in cash and in-kind support and involve collaboration with 28 participating organisations across three countries.

More information is on the ARC website.

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Minister Tehan's office 02 6277 7350

Senator Van's office 02 6277 3760