Responding to the loss of sovereign ability to make plastics – by Shane West

While issues such as quantum computing attract political action, Australia is losing the sovereign ability to manufacture even basic products such as plastics and downstream products such as paint. According to Shane West, the closure of plastic raw material production by Qenos requires government intervention. How to respond to the loss of Qenos – Australia…

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AIM Defence’s anti drone laser demonstrated to Army

The Australian Army is turning to directed-energy weapons as one-way of embracing emerging technology to counter off-the-shelf small multi-rotor uncrewed aerial vehicles. Recently at the Army’s At a Puckapunyal range in Victoria, AIM Defence demonstrated its Fractl Portable High Energy Laser which is powerful enough to burn through steel and can track objects as small…

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Five new Queensland quantum computing grant programmes

The Queensland government has taken a bold step to develop the state’s quantum computing capabilities with the announcement of five quantum and advanced technologies competitive grant programme providing more than $50 million in funding. The grant programmes will enhance quantum technology applications, attract investment and collaboration, develop a skilled workforce, aid decarbonisation and promote quantum-based…

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Boeing to apply local communications systems to defence

Boeing has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver the deployed communications elements of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) next generation Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) under project AIR6500. Drawing on the technology developed for the Currawong Battlespace Communications System, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) will deliver hardware and software for voice and…

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