Industry group has new Canberra presence

The new executive director of the Scientific Industry Association (SIA) says being based in Canberra will help the organisation to have a stronger voice.

Andrew Jackson took up the post earlier this year after three years spent working on policy for the Federal Communications, IT and Arts Minister, Senator Richard Alston.

"Industry associations need someone who is seen in Canberra as an honest broker," he said.

Jackson said his broad aim was to build on the work begun by his predecessor, Charles Wurf, of restructuring and re-focussing the organisation, formerly known as the Scientific Suppliers Association of Australia, to be 'more than just a vehicle for exhibitions and conferences".

"The industry recognises that need to refocus and restructure itself," he said. "I'm looking to the members to come to me with the issues that they think are important."

The SIA is the national industry association for organisations that produce, provide or use scientific industry goods and services. It is governed by a council of six, and its president is Beckman Coulter's Far East marketing manager, Dr Geoff Burge.

The SIA's theme for 2002 would be the "three Is", Jackson said - inform, involve and influence. That meant promoting the flow of information between members, getting involved in decision-making, and having a strong presence in Canberra.

"We believe that the health of the scientific community can be measured by the health of the scientific industry," Jackson said.

He said the SIA was aiming to set up a round-table meeting with Science Minister Peter McGauran towards the end of the year.

Jackson said that the SIA's former major activity, the Science 2000 series of trade shows, would be remodelled to focus on smaller, state-based conferences.

For more information, call (02) 6284 2566, or e-mail to sia@scienceindustry.com.au