Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Industry and Science

Industry Research and Development Act 1986

Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024

Purpose and Operation

Section 33 of the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 (the IR&D Act) provides a mechanism for the Minister to prescribe programs, by disallowable legislative instrument, in relation to industry, innovation, science or research, including in relation to the expenditure of Commonwealth money under such programs.

The statutory framework provided by section 33 of the IR&D Act enables a level of flexibility to provide authority for Commonwealth spending activities in relation to industry, innovation, science, and research programs. This allows the Government to respond quickly and appropriately to the need to implement innovative ideas and pilot programs on an ongoing basis and as opportunities arise. Prescribing programs in legislative instruments provides transparency and parliamentary oversight of Government programs and spending activities, whilst reducing administrative burden on the Commonwealth.

Once a program is prescribed by the Minister under section 33, subsection 34(1) allows the Commonwealth to make, vary or administer arrangements in relation to activities under the prescribed program. Arrangements may include contracts, funding agreements or other arrangements, and may provide for money to be payable by the Commonwealth to one or more third parties. The power conferred on the Commonwealth by subsection 34(1) may be exercised on behalf of the Commonwealth by a Minister or an accountable authority of a
non-corporate Commonwealth entity, or by their delegate (under section 36).

The purpose of the Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024 (the Legislative Instrument) is to prescribe certain Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Programs (specifically, Superstars of STEM, the Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework, the Diversity in STEM Toolkit and Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM; collectively the Programs). Currently, there is legislative authority for these Programs to promote participation of women and girls in STEM. The Legislative Instrument will facilitate their expansion, where appropriate, to other under-represented cohorts who face systemic barriers to participating in STEM.

This will:

• help drive cultural change in equity, diversity and inclusion across the STEM employment and education sectors;
• reduce barriers experienced by underrepresented cohorts when pursuing STEM careers and education;
• contribute to an evidence base for successful diversity initiatives; and
• support those whose identities and experiences overlap (‘intersectionality’).

Funding of $12.855 million from 2024-25 to 2030-31 was secured through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the Department) 2024-2025 Budget for: Superstars of STEM; the Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework; and the Diversity in STEM Toolkit. Policy authority for expanding Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM program was also approved (noting that a total of $41.2 million in funding for Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM is already committed).

Ensuring Australia has a diverse STEM workforce

STEM workers are essential enablers of our future prosperity and productivity, and the driving force behind a Future Made in Australia. The National Skills Commission (March 2022)[1] predicts that jobs in STEM fields are expected to grow by 14.2% in coming years, twice as fast as non-STEM occupations. Expanding the Programs will:

• Help ensure Australia can meet this demand by supporting a thriving, skilled and diverse STEM workforce.
• Implement aspects of the independent Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review (Review),[2] which provided advice on how to overcome persistent systemic barriers preventing underrepresented cohorts from participating in STEM education and careers.[3] Specifically, the expansion of the Programs will respond to Recommendation 2, which recommends scaling up and making changes to portfolio programs increasing diversity in STEM.
• Support action on the Government’s National Gender Equality Strategy,[4] which commits to driving efforts to reduce gender segregation in industries and workplaces.

Grant opportunities

Successful applicants for the grant opportunities will undertake eligible projects to deliver program-specific outcomes, including:

• Superstars of STEM program – The purpose of this grant opportunity is to increase the public visibility of diverse role models in STEM and promote equal representation in the media of diverse people working in STEM fields. This is to encourage people from underrepresented cohorts to choose STEM careers and provide leadership training for diverse professionals in STEM to advance their careers. This program will receive additional funding and be extended to 2030-31 to boost the number of diverse role models in STEM who can positively influence young people, and to inspire people to undertake STEM education and careers. Science and Technology Australia delivers this program.

• Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework program – This grant opportunity will provide funding to deliver an independent accreditation framework to improve equity, diversity and inclusion policies and practices of the higher education, research, and VET sectors in Australia. The purpose of this grant opportunity is to increase inclusivity and safety for women and people from underrepresented cohorts in STEM workplaces. This includes increasing the participation, employment, retention, and promotion of people from underrepresented cohorts in STEM workplaces. It also includes removing barriers and driving institutional change by improving the cultural competence for managers. This grant opportunity is delivered under a closed non-competitive grant process. It is anticipated that Science in Australia Gender Equity will deliver the program, pending a successful application.

• Diversity in STEM Toolkit program – funding will scale up the existing Girls in STEM Toolkit to target a broader range of diverse and underrepresented cohorts in STEM throughout their primary and secondary education. Funding is used to provide educational resources to increase the access and awareness of STEM education and career pathways for diverse students, their teachers, parents, carers, and career counsellors. This includes by challenging and reducing the stereotypes, biases, and systemic barriers in STEM education. The program name will be changed from Girls in STEM Toolkit to the Diversity in STEM Toolkit, to reflect inclusion and diversity beyond gender. This grant is delivered through a closed non-competitive grant process. It is anticipated that Education Services Australia will deliver the program, pending a successful application.

• Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM program – This grant opportunity provides funding to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) to deliver the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM project. The purpose of this program is to increase the representation of women and non‑binary people in STEM. It will provide up to 500 scholarships for women and non-binary people to undertake tertiary education in STEM and build the skillsets sought by industry so they can enter the STEM workforce. This will increase the number of diverse people with qualifications entering sectors with the highest potential to support future growth industries, as well as increase gender equity in senior leadership and decision-making positions in STEM. The project will be extended to 2031-32 to better accommodate part-time study and accommodate women and non-binary people, particularly those with intersectional identities, to balance study, caring, health and other needs. The project will be re‑named to Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM. Funding for this program is committed through a contract to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

Funding authorised by this Legislative Instrument comes from the Inspiring All Australians in STEM program, Outcome 1.2, as set out in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2024-25. Budget Related Paper No.1.11, Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Portfolio.[5]

The Programs will be delivered by the Business Grants Hub, which is a specialised design, management, and delivery body within the Department with extensive expertise and capability in delivering similar programs.

The Programs are administered by the Department in accordance with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines 2017.[6]

Spending decisions will be made by the Program Delegate, who is the Manager responsible for administering the Program, taking into account the recommendations of the assessment panels. The assessment panels will comprise Departmental representatives at the Executive Level (EL) 1 level and above. The Program Delegate is an EL2 officer who holds delegation under the Department’s general financial framework, including delegation under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and sections 34 and 35 of the IR&D Act.

New grant opportunity guidelines will be developed for the Diversity in STEM Toolkit and the Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework and will be available on GrantConnect.

Superstars of STEM and Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM will be delivered through a grant variation using the existing grant opportunity guidelines. The guidelines for Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM can be found under the name Boosting the Next Generation of Women in STEM on GrantConnect. Superstars of STEM is delivered through an ad hoc grant arrangement, so the guidelines are not available on GrantConnect.

A total of $12.855 million in additional grant funding will be committed as follows:

• Diversity in STEM Toolkit - $2.0 million.
• The Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework - $7.095 million.
• Superstars of STEM - $3.76 million.

No additional funding will be committed to Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM (funding commitment will remain at $41.2 million).

The grant amount may be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs for the Programs. The proportion of funds of eligible project costs that can be funded from Commonwealth, State, Territory, or local government Grants is 100 per cent.

Applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and merit criteria set out in the program guidelines in two stages. Initially, applications will be assessed by the Business Grants Hub against the eligibility criteria. An assessment panel, which will comprise Departmental representatives at the EL1 level and above, will then consider eligible applications against the merit criteria. This will include scoring each application out of 100. The assessment panel may seek input from independent experts to inform their assessments.

Applications must address the eligibility and merit criteria and provide relevant supporting information. The amount of detail and supporting evidence should be relative to the project size, complexity and funding amount requested. Larger and more complex projects should include more detailed evidence.

After considering the applications, the assessment panel will make recommendations to the Program Delegate regarding those applications suitable for funding. The Program Delegate will make the final decision about which grants to approve, taking into consideration the assessment panel’s recommendations, and the availability of grant funds. The Program Delegate will not approve funding if there are insufficient funds available across relevant financial years for the Programs.

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be informed in writing. Unsuccessful applicants have an opportunity to discuss the outcome with the Department.

Independent merits review of decisions made in connection with closed non-competitive opportunities would not be considered appropriate because the decisions relate to the provision of a one-off grant to a specific service provider, over other service providers. The Administrative Review Council has recognised that it is justifiable to exclude merits review in relation to decisions of this nature (see paragraphs 4.16 to 4.19 of the guide, What decisions should be subject to merit review?).

Persons who are otherwise affected by decisions or who have complaints about the Programs will have recourse to the Department. The Department investigates any complaints about the Programs in accordance with its complaints policy and procedures. If a person is not satisfied with the way the Department handles the complaint, they may lodge a complaint with the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Legislative powers

The Legislative Instrument specifies that the legislative powers in respect of which the Instrument is made are the following:

External affairs power

Paragraph 51(xxix) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to ‘external affairs’. The external affairs power supports legislation implementing Australia’s international obligations under treaties to which it is a party. Australia has obligations under the following treaties:

• Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women [1983] ATS 9 (CEDAW)
• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [2008] ATS 12 (CRPD)
• Convention on the Rights of the Child [1991] ATS 4 (CROC)
• Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination [1975] ATS 40 (CERD)
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [1980] ATS 23 (ICCPR)
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights [1976] ATS 5 (ICESCR)
• International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 122) concerning Employment Policy [1970] ATS 17 (ILO Convention No. 122), and
• International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 142) concerning Vocational Guidance and Vocational Training in the Development of Human Resources [1986] ATS 2 (ILO Convention No. 142).

Articles 2, 3, 10 and 11(1) of the CEDAW condemns discrimination against women in all forms. The parties undertake to do things including taking all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women and to ensure their full development and advancement for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men, including in the fields of education and employment in particular ways. These include ensuring equal rights for women in career and vocational guidance, education and training and employment opportunities. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will assist to reduce discrimination or inequality experienced by women and encourage women to pursue training and careers in STEM.

Article 27(1) of the CRPD recognises the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others, and requires parties to safeguard and promote the realisation of that right including by enabling persons with disabilities to have effective access to technical and vocational guidance, promoting employment opportunities and career advancement for such persons, and providing assistance in finding, maintaining and returning to employment for such persons. 

In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will assist to reduce discrimination or inequality faced by persons living with disabilities or neurodivergent persons in STEM fields, or otherwise assist such persons to find employment.

Articles 28(1) and 29(1) of the CROC recognises the right of the child to education, on the basis of equal opportunity, relevantly by requiring parties to make educational and vocational information and guidance accessible and making the education of the child directed to the development of a child’s abilities to their fullest potential. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will provide educational and vocational information and guidance to young people, which will serve as a practical measure for the advancing of the development of their talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.

Articles 2(1) and 7 of the CRPD provide that parties undertake to pursue a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms, including measures in the fields of teaching, education, culture, and information with a view to combatting prejudices leading to racial discrimination. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will assist to reduce discrimination or inequality experienced by First Nations persons and people of particular minority ethnic or cultural backgrounds (including some culturally and linguistically diverse persons).

Article 26 of the ICCPR enshrines that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law and provides that the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will provide education resources and guidance to underrepresented cohorts to assist to alleviate the historically experienced discrimination or inequality in a STEM field.

Articles 2 and 6(2) of the ICESCR requires parties to take steps to achieve the full realisation of the right to work, including providing technical and vocational guidance and training programmes. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will contribute to STEM vocational training and will encourage people from underrepresented cohorts to pursue employment in STEM fields.

Article 1 of the ILO Convention No. 122 requires members to declare and pursue as a major goal an active policy designed to promote full, productive, and freely chosen employment, aimed at ensuring – most relevantly – that there is freedom of choice in employment and the fullest possible opportunity for each to qualify for and use their skills and endowments in a job for which they are well suited irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will encourage people from underrepresented cohorts to pursue employment in STEM fields, promoting the free choice in employment and assisting with its practical realisation.

Articles 1(1) and 2-4 of the ILO Convention No. 142 concern the development of national systems of vocational guidance and training. It most relevantly requires members to establish and develop systems of technical and vocational guidance and training and to extend those systems to provide the broadest possible guidance through people’s lives and throughout the economy. In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will provide resources and guidance about STEM career pathways and employment opportunities to people from underrepresented cohorts.

Student benefits power

The social welfare power in paragraph 51(xxiiiA) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to the provision of certain social welfare benefits, including benefits to students.

In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will provide benefits to students in the form of material aid to certain identified students to take up higher education in STEM via scholarships.

Naturalisation and aliens power

The third head of power is the naturalisation and aliens power (section 51(xix) of the Constitution). Section 51(xix) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to ‘naturalisation and aliens’.

In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will assist migrants and other people who are not naturalised citizens to study and or pursue a career in a STEM field.

Races power

Paragraph 51(xxvi) of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to make laws with respect to ‘the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws’.

In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will assist First Nations peoples to overcome barriers and disadvantages they face in relation to study and employment in STEM. It will also confer a benefit on First Nations peoples by enhancing engagement with First Nations media organisations. This will build cultural competency and visibility in partnership with First Nations media.

Territories power

Section 122 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to ‘make laws for the government of any territory’.

In that regard, funding provided under the Legislative Instrument will enable the Diversity in STEM Toolkit to increase access and awareness of STEM education and career pathways in Australian territories.

Further details of the Legislative Instrument are set out at Attachment A.

Authority

Section 33 of the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 provides authority for the Legislative Instrument.

Consultation

The Programs action recommendations from the Review, which was delivered to the Government by an independent panel in February 2024. The panel consulted with a breadth of stakeholders, including industry, academia, education, state and territory governments, community organisations, as well as individuals in or who have left the STEM pathway. Consultation was accessible and included an online public submission process, as well as in‑person and virtual consultation events. Overall, the consultation engaged 94 organisations, 385 individuals, conducted 28 interviews, held 9 workshops, held 3 public consultations, and received 300 written submissions.

The issues raised during consultation informed the 11 recommendations in the Review final report (Report). The Programs specifically respond to recommendation 2 of the Report, which called for the Australian Government to establish a suite of diversity in STEM programs. This includes making targeted changes to the existing suite of women in STEM programs to address findings of the Review and to ensure they help create cultural change and support diverse cohorts across the pathway to STEM careers.

Additional consultation in relation to the instrument was not undertaken as the Report specifically analysed each program element mentioned in this instrument. The consultation was concluded recently and was comprehensive.

In accordance with section 17 of the Legislation Act 2003, the Attorney-General’s Department has been consulted on this Legislative Instrument.

Regulatory Impact

It is estimated that the regulatory burden is likely to be minor (Office of Impact Analysis/Office of Best Practice Regulation reference number OIA24-06773).

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights for the purposes of Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 is set out at Attachment B.

Attachment A

Notes on clauses

Details of the Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024

Section 1 – Name of Instrument

This section specifies the name of the Legislative Instrument as the Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024.

Section 2 – Commencement

This section provides that the Legislative Instrument commences on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Section 3 – Authority

This section specifies the provision of the Industry, Research and Development Act 1986 (the Act) under which the Legislative Instrument is made.

Section 4 – Definitions

This item provides for definitions of terms used in the Legislative Instrument.

Section 5 – Prescribed Programs

This section prescribes the following Programs for the purposes of section 33 of the IR&D Act:

1.    the Diversity in STEM Toolkit program
2.    the Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM program
3.    the Australian Diversity in Science Accreditation Framework program, and
4.    the Superstars of STEM program (the Programs).

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers are an essential enabler of our future prosperity and productivity, and the driving force behind a Future Made in Australia. The National Skills Commission (March 2022) predicts that jobs in STEM fields are expected to grow by 14.2% in coming years, twice as fast as non-STEM occupations. Expanding the Programs will help ensure Australia can meet this demand by supporting a thriving, skilled and diverse STEM workforce.

The Programs:

• increase coordinated support for diverse cohorts to participate and stay in STEM education and careers
• increase participation and visibility of people from historically underrepresented groups and diverse role models across all levels of STEM education and career pathways
• increase confidence and interest from diverse young people pursuing STEM careers and education, and
• enhance skills, knowledge, and confidence among mentors to create safe and inclusive learning and work environments for underrepresented cohorts engaging with STEM.

Section 6 – Specified Legislative Power

This section specifies that the legislative powers in respect of which the Legislative Instrument is made are the powers of the Parliament to make laws with respect to aliens (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xix) of the Constitution), the provision of benefits to students (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxiiiA) of the Constitution), the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxvi) of the Constitution), external affairs (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxix) of the Constitution), and the government of a Territory (within the meaning of paragraph 122 of the Constitution).

Attachment B

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The Industry Research and Development (Diversity in STEM Programs) Instrument 2024 (the Legislative Instrument) provides legislative authority to commit Commonwealth funding for the Diversity in STEM Programs (the Program).

The Program will provide study opportunities and encourage employment within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industry for underrepresented cohorts. The Program targets all stages of the STEM career lifecycle. This includes engagement with primary and high school students and teachers, striving to increase engagement in STEM among diverse cohorts of people. Funding is also provided to support STEM professionals at university, to build connections and increase the likelihood of STEM students completing their study. Funding also supports STEM workers, through accreditation programs to increase staff satisfaction and retention.

Human rights implications

This Legislative Instrument engages the rights to work and the rights in work, the right to education, the rights of people with disabilities, the rights of children, and the rights to equality and non-discrimination.

This Legislative Instrument supports school-aged people from underrepresented cohorts to study in STEM regardless of their location in Australia, by providing education, resources, vocational information, and scholarships. In addition, this Legislative Instrument encourages underrepresented cohorts to enter a career in STEM by improving accreditation frameworks in STEM employment, promoting inclusivity measures, and providing mentorship and networking opportunities.

Articles 2, 3, 10 and 11(1) of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women [1983] ATS 9 condemn discrimination against women in all forms. It encourages Members to undertake appropriate measures to ensure the full development and advancement of women and to eliminate the stereotyped concept of the roles of men and women, by encouraging career and vocational guidance for access to studies, and the right to free choice of profession. This Program is consistent with Articles 2, 3, 10 and 11, to the extent that it seeks to combat discrimination or inequality experienced by women in the STEM field by encouraging women to pursue training and careers in STEM.

Article 27(1) of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [2008] ATS 12 recognises the rights of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis. It provides that Members should safeguard and promote the realisation of the right to work for persons with disabilities by promoting employment opportunities, access to technical and vocational training, and through appropriate measures and policies to promote the employment of persons with disabilities. This Program is consistent with Article 27 by supporting people from underrepresented cohorts which includes persons with disabilities to study STEM and potentially pursue a career in STEM.

Articles 28(1) and 29(1) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child [1991] ATS 4 recognises the right of children to access education on the basis of equal opportunity, that meets their needs and is directed to the development of their fullest potential. This Program is consistent with Articles 28 and 29 as it provides young people with educational and vocational information and guidance in STEM, which will advance their development to their fullest potential.

Articles 2(1) and 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination [1975] ATS 40 condemn racial discrimination and encourage promotion of understanding among all races, and to this end Members are to adopt effective measures, particularly in the fields of teaching and education, with a view to combating prejudices. This Program is consistent with Articles 2(1) and 7 by supporting young people from underrepresented cohorts to study STEM.

Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [1980] ATS 23 affirms that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to the equal and non-discriminatory protection of the law. This Program is consistent with Article 26 by providing education resources and guidance to underrepresented cohorts that have historically experienced discrimination or inequality in a STEM field.

Articles 2 and 6(2) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights [1976] ATS 5 requires parties to take steps to achieve the full realisation of the right to work. These steps include providing technical and vocational guidance and training programmes, policies, and techniques. This Program is consistent with Articles 2 and 6 by encouraging people from underrepresented cohorts to pursue employment in STEM.

Article 1 of the International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 122) concerning Employment Policy [1970] ATS 17 requires Members to promote full, productive, and freely chosen employment, and to decide on and apply measures to obtain that object within the framework of a co-ordinated economic and social policy.

Most relevantly, this Article aims to ensure that there is freedom of choice in employment and the fullest possible opportunity for each work to qualify for and use their skills and endowments in a job for which they are well suited irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin. This Program is consistent with Article 1 by encouraging people from underrepresented cohorts to pursue employment in STEM.

Articles 1(1) and 2-4 of the International Labour Organisation Convention (No. 142) concerning Vocational Guidance and Vocational Training in the Development of Human Resources [1986] ATS 2 concern the development of policies and programmes in vocational guidance and training. It most relevantly requires members to establish and develop systems of technical and vocational guidance and training, and to extend those systems to provide the broadest possible guidance through people’s lives and throughout the economy. This Program is consistent with Articles 1 and 2-4, as it provides resources and guidance about STEM career pathways and employment opportunities to people from underrepresented cohorts.

These rights are positively engaged through this Legislative Instrument, particularly at clauses 5(2)-(6). This Program provides measures in the form of scholarships, resources, accreditation framework, mentorship, training, and vocational information to underrepresented people traversing all ages and Australian locations, to encourage uptake of study and employment opportunities in STEM.

Conclusion

The Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it has a positive effect on human rights.

The Hon Ed Husic MP

Minister for Industry and Science

[1] The National Skills Commission (2022) Projecting Employment to 2026, Accessed 28 October 2024 at: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-03/NSC22-0041_Employ%20Projections_glossy_FA_ACC.pdf.

[2] The Review’s report can be viewed on the Department’s website at: https://www.industry.gov.au/.

[3] Those underrepresented cohorts include: girls and women; First Nations peoples; people living with disabilities; people facing age-based discrimination; culturally and linguistically diverse people; people with low socioeconomic status; LGBTQIA+ people (including non-binary and gender-diverse people); neurodivergent people; and people living in regional and remote areas.

[4] Available at: https://genderequality.gov.au/.

[5] Available at: https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024-25-department-of-industry-science-resources-pbs.pdf, p 41

[6] Available at: https://www.finance.gov.au/government/commonwealth-grants.