Mr ENTSCH (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources) (10:20 AM) —in reply—Firstly, I thank the members who have contributed to the debate on the National Measurement Amendment Bill 2003. I certainly hope that the importance of creating a national measurement institute is well understood. I would particularly like to thank the member for Rankin, who certainly noted the positive aspects of the amalgamation of the National Measurement Laboratory, the National Standards Commission and the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories. He recognised the outstanding contribution that each of those agencies has made and also recognised the value of a one-stop shop. I would, however, like to reassure the honourable member for Rankin that the amalgamation will not weaken the CSIRO's funding base; in fact, it will have a zero sum effect on the CSIRO.

The member for Kooyong made an outstanding contribution. He highlighted his very in-depth understanding and appreciation of the value of measurement, standards and analytical services in this country. I do have to apologise for my faux pas and stand corrected. I think it should be noted that it was not a milestone that I was talking about; it was in fact a `kilometre stone'! I hope that satisfies the concerns of the honourable member for Kooyong. The honourable member also highlighted the benefits of a single national institute that will meet the needs of the business community and of our national scientific community. He also highlighted the fact that the operation of the National Measurement Institute is clear evidence of the government's commitment to advancing science and its support for innovation in industry.

The National Measurement Institute will provide a focus point for metrology in Australia and will be the premier source of advice and services to the government on measurement issues. It will represent Australia in international metrology organisations. Measurement underpins nearly every aspect of commerce, trade and industry, as was highlighted by our speakers. By bringing together the organisations concerned with measurement, we will strengthen our support for trade and investment and provide a more coordinated and effective approach to supporting manufacturing and service industries. The formation of the National Measurement Institute recognises the growing need for expertise in physical, chemical and biological measurement to support innovation in new technologies such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.

The bill creates a statutory role of Chief Metrologist to provide scientific leadership and to ensure that key measurement functions are the responsibility of a leading scientist. The institute will become an important part of the industry department, thus strengthening the links between measurement, science and government and industry policy.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment