The Federal Government are closing the Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave division of the National Measurement Institute.

This semi anechoic chamber for testing at microwave frequencies was upgraded by the Govt for millions of $$ only a few years ago, destined for the scrap heap
This semi anechoic chamber for testing at microwave frequencies was upgraded by the Govt for millions of $$ only a few years ago, destined for the scrap heap

The NMI issued a letter on the 8th of July advising closure on 1 August.

If this is allowed to occur, the NMI will not be able to provide measurement traceability and precision measurement supports to telecommunications, defence, health, manufacturing, mining, science projects and other industries that use radio and microwave. This will also affect general public who use broadcasting services, mobile phone services, GPS services, diagnostic and therapeutic services.  Some details of the services they provide can be found here.

NMI runs one of the world’s most high-level capabilities for traceable measurement of basic electromagnetic parameters at RF and Microwave frequencies. This is centred on the frequency range from 10 kHz to 50 GHz. The National Standards and measurement capability are maintained within the RF and Microwave Project specifically to support Australian industry, engineers and scientists. Experience gained in their development gives the RF and Microwave metrologists at NMI unique knowledge that can be invaluable when working with industrial collaborators and end-users to help remove their measurement barriers to innovation. This experience is passed on in many ways, e.g. through collaborations, measurement reports, standard committee and consultancies.

If like us, you believe the closure of NMI’s RF and Microwave Project will affect businesses and be a great loss to the nation, please write or talk to the Ministers and Secretary of the Department to express your concerns.

Their contact details are shown below:

Mr Greg Combet, Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation,

e-mail: greg.combet@innovation.gov.au , Ph: (02) 6277 7920 Ms Kate Lundy, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation,

e-mail: senator.lundy@aph.gov.au,  Ph: (02) 6277 7977 Dr Don Russell, Secretary for Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education,

e-mail: don.russell@innovation.gov.au, Ph: 61-2-6213 6650