Research & Innovation Committee Communiqué – 26 August 2015

Strategic Themes

  1. Extension - It was noted that, from an RDC perspective, it seems timely to ascertain whether all the sector and cross sector strategies are still relevant. It was also asked if there is an opportunity to develop an Extension, Adoption and Workforce Capacity Development strategy. It was noted that Dairy Australia (DA) would be happy to lead the development of such a strategy. It was also discussed that an extension strategy should not to take over from innovation in the other strategies, and the way in which such a strategy would interact with the extension component of all the other strategies was discussed.
  2. Future Research and Development Models - It was noted that three consultants have been approached, and subsequently provided a proposal document and quote to undertake the project. Members were to score each proposal according to selection criteria set out in the scoping document.

Operational Issues

  1. Strategy Leaders Forum

Feedback was gained from Strategy Leaders regarding their support for holding a Forum, and also what they would like covered on an agenda. R&I Committee members were supportive of the need to continue holding forums. The Chair outlined that next forum will likely be held early 2016, and that a draft agenda should be created soon.

  1. June Strategy Progress Reports – Feedback

The main points from the feedback given by Strategy Leaders in the June 2015 Progress reports were outlined. Members discussed and supported the need to take the feedback on board and respond accordingly. It was suggested that, as well as individual feedback, some general feedback should be provided to Strategy Leaders – e.g. regarding updating the website, improving communication, and utilising the in person updates as a main mechanism for feedback on strategy progress.

  1. Performance Measures and Evaluation

The need to narrow the scope of the project was discussed. The Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations is also doing a stocktake project on performance measurement and evaluation.

Strategy updates

Three Strategy updates were presented at the 26 August meeting:

  • Horticulture Strategy - delivered by Dougald Close

Dugald Close gave Horticulture update via teleconference, as per PPT. It was noted that:

  • 466 agency staff (FTE basis) were applied to horticultural RD&E across Australia. This was 6% fewer than the snapshot in 2011.
  • Nearly $113 million was invested in horticultural RD&E in Australia. 65% ($73.4 million) delivered by NHRN agencies.
  • $48.4 million was direct investment by the agencies from State treasuries.
  • Balance from funding bodies such as Horticulture Australia Limited, ACIAR
  • Capacity Review 2016-17: Database of university scientists working in Australian horticultural RD&E categorised by discipline and location; Industry engagement event; Communications strategy
  • Capacity availability to adequately service the national industry – current and future

HIA restructure and a new operating model – regional PIBs have uncertain futures yet are key to industry communication and extension

  • Poultry Strategy - delivered by James Kellaway

James Kellaway gave the Poultry update via teleconference, as per PPT, and noted that the Strategy has been useful in achieving its aims. The following points were noted:

  • Realisation of insufficient capacity to fully deliver RD&E priorities – which has been addressed
  • A co-ordinated, collaborative, comprehensive and planned approach to RD&E resourcing
  • Formal ‘hub & spoke’ approach
  • Endorsed by all poultry industry research purchasers
  • backed with $100m over 10 years
  • Purchaser/provider contracts now in place
  • Greater industry investment in ‘people’ for feed & nutrition RD&E
  • SARDI providing greater capacity / collaborative projects
  • Greater & more effective utilisation of facilities at SARDI
  • Co-investment in animal welfare research capacity
  • Industry / agency commitments supporting key research groups
  • Fishing and Aquaculture Strategy - delivered by David Smith

David Smith gave the Fishing and Aquaculture update, as per PPT. The following points were noted:

  • On 23 April 2010 the Primary Industries Ministerial Council approved Working Together: the National Fishing and Aquaculture RD&E Strategy 2010
  • Key components to the first Strategy were: Establishment of a Governance Committee to oversee the implementation of the Strategy.
  • Membership consists of; all sectors of fishing and aquaculture, researchers, fishery managers from State and Federal Governments, policy and research funders. Open to others attending meetings on request.
  • Establishment of a Research Provider Network to network researchers from across Australia and improve communication.
  • Establishment of an Extension network.
  • Identification of the major research expertise of research providers and document this.

The new RD&E Strategy has been incorporated with the development of other key RD&E Planning documents – FRDC RD&E Plan for 2015-2020 and the National Marine Science Plan. It is hoped that the linkage between especially the Marine Science Plan and the Strategy will hopefully aid in buy-on from the University sector.

  • The new Strategy builds on and extends the achievements from the first Strategy.
  • Both the Governance Committee and Research Provider Network will continue under the new Strategy.
  • The extension network role has being incorporated into the Governance Committee.
  • These forums will meet at least every 6 months to implement the RD&E Strategy and review progress.

The National Primary Industries RD&E Framework website can be accessed at:

If you have any ideas or there are any changes you would like to see made to the information on this website, please contact the R&I Committee secretariat: