The Northern Rivers Times
November 23, 2023
22 BUSINESS NEWS
New $18M partnership building digital tech for safer workplaces CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will join forces with five universities to keep Aussies safe at work using the latest digital technologies. The $18 million Tech4HSE program unites leading researchers in emerging technologies such as generative and immersive artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality and cybersecurity, to develop tech to aid those working in dangerous environments. The program is led by CSIRO’s data and digital arm, Data61, and the University of Queensland (UQ). Swinburne, UNSW, Curtin and ANU have also signed up as partners. Science Director of Data61, Professor Aaron Quigley, said the technologies developed will support health, safety and environmental (HSE) objectives across a wide range of industries. “Whether they’re
working with electrical equipment, heavy machinery or on our roads, millions of Australians put themselves in harm’s way every day to help and serve others,” Prof. Quigley said. “We’re bringing the best researchers in the nation together to help get everyone home safely, by creating advanced digital tools for training, identifying and monitoring hazards, and planning responses and actions.” According to the
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 497,300 Australians suffered from a work-related injury or illness in 2021-22. All participating institutions are contributing funding and research expertise to the program, with UQ administering the funding. UQ Tech4HSE Science Lead Dr Mashhuda Glencross said these projects present an exciting opportunity to make an impactful difference.
“The innovative technologies we are researching and developing in this initiative are aimed at supporting the safety of Australians during disasters and when working in potentially hazardous environments,” Dr Glencross said. Prototypes will be built over five years and trialled in real-world job scenarios, with a focus on developing commercially viable products which are responsible by design.
In the first project currently underway, researchers from Data61 and UQ are developing technologies to support crisis preparedness and response for workers in the energy industry. Data61 Tech4HSE Science Lead Dr Matt Adcock said one example of the technology being developed will combine state-of-the-art computer vision models and 3D generative AI. “Our aim is to take smart glasses to a new level by enabling the
placement of helpful digital holograms within the physical work environment to support emergency response safety training and assisted decision-making under heightened stress levels,” Dr Adcock said. Researchers are initially working with stakeholders in the power industry to ensure prototypes are sensitive to industry needs. The $18 million Tech4HSE program strategically seeks to bring Australia’s university expertise and CSIRO’s capabilities together to maximise the impact of science, research, and development for Australians. The program was announced by Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic, at the launch of Australia’s AI Month, coordinated by CSIRO’s National AI Centre. From November 15 to December 15 more than 50 free and ticketed AI-related events will take place across the country.
SETTING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES The Albanese Government has released the Infrastructure Policy Statement to guide the Commonwealth’s funding of properly planned and targeted infrastructure to help unlock a range of significant economic, social and environmental objectives. For too long under the Coalition, Commonwealth infrastructure spending focused on electoral rather than national benefit and in doing this it expanded the Infrastructure Investment Program from roughly 150 projects in 2012-13 to nearly 800 in 2022. That needs to change. The Policy Statement commits the Government to delivering nationally significant infrastructure. This means projects will need to have at least two of the following characteristics: • Australian Government contribution of at least $250 million;
and/or • alignment with Government priorities as articulated in the Infrastructure Policy Statement; and/or • situated on or connected to the National
minerals. There are three priorities for our investment: productivity, liveability and sustainability. It means cutting congestion, ensuring supply chains are
travel. We are committed to working in partnership with the states and territories who are our primary infrastructure delivery partners. We are reshaping how
carry an equal share of both the benefits and the risks. This will mean the Commonwealth’s infrastructure spend – which is being maintained at $120
Land Transport Network and/or other key freight routes; and/or • supporting other emerging or broader national priorities – such as housing or critical
resilient, building equity into the heart of where we live, improving prosperity, reducing our emissions and encouraging more sustainable ways to
the Commonwealth funds projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments, so both levels of government
billion – can go further, maximising the benefits of the Commonwealth’s investment and ensuring shared accountability. It will help end the perverse incentives that saw the
Federal Coalition throw money at projects that states did not want to build. The Government may consider funding a greater share of projects in jurisdictions with less capacity to raise revenue on a case-by-case basis. We also want to share the benefits of construction. We will seek to encourage local employment and procurement, as well as increase the participation of women, First Nations communities and other marginalised groups in the delivery of these projects. The Albanese Government will invest in the projects that only the Commonwealth can – those which shape our cities, our regions and our nation. Together with the states and territories – and with clear priorities and proper planning – we will build a better future for all Australians.
