Rex Patrick (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Griff, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) congratulates 2018 Australian of the Year recipient Professor Michelle Simmons and all the recipients of this year's Australia Day Awards;

(b) notes that Professor Simmons is the 14th female recipient of the Australian of the Year in the Award's 58 year history;

(c) acknowledges that:

  (i) the prize recognises Professor Simmons' research and leadership in nanotechnology and quantum computing,

  (ii) in 2017, Professor Simmons established Australia's first quantum physics computing company, Silicon Quantum Computing, bringing together representatives of governments, industry and universities in an $83 million consortium based at UNSW,

  (iii) Professor Simmons' focus and leadership has defined Australia's position in the quantum computing technology race, and

  (iv) quantum computing technology is strategically important for Australia;

(d) wishes Professor Simmons, along with her team, every success in the international race to build a quantum computer and excel in the space race of the computing era;

(e) notes that:

  (i) Science Meets Parliament runs from 12 to 14 February 2018, and

  (ii) Science Meets Parliament builds on the strong tradition of fostering relationships and understanding between scientists, technologists, members of the House of Representatives and senators; and

(f) encourages all senators to attend events during Science Meets Parliament to enhance their awareness and understanding of STEM and help build connections with those working in the field.

Question agreed to.