NMI is the peak Australian measurement body responsible for biological, chemical, legal, physical and trade measurement. Click here to download a brochure which explains what we do.
Our vision and purpose is to deliver capability for measurement in Australia that is world class, increases national economic efficiency, enhances export trade prospects, empowers sound environmental regulation, and enables effective social and health policies.
Our goals are to maintain Australia’s measurement standards, provide national leadership in measurement science, lead global collaboration, improve and develop our services, grow research and development capability, and implement the national trade measurement system.
NMI is responsible for Australia's units and standards of measurement and for realising those units of measurement through the development and maintenance of standards of measurement, reference materials and reference techniques. On 1 July 2010, NMI became responsible for trade measurement. NMI is now responsible for the full spectrum of measurement, from the peak primary standards of measurement to measurements made at the domestic trade level.
Meeting the measurement needs of government, industry and scientific organisations for calibration, measurement, analysis and training are key functions of NMI. The services section of this website provides more information.
NMI is an important element of Australia's standards and conformance infrastructure and provides advice on measurement to the other members, the National Association of Testing Authorities, Standards Australia and the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand.
NMI is a research-based organisation. Research is necessary to support all the functions of NMI. It is important part of the continuous development of physical, chemical and biological measurement standards and techniques. This continuing development is needed to meet advances in science and technology and the increasing demands of industry for greater accuracy in measurement. Governments also require a broader range of measurements to fulfil their regulatory needs in matters such as food safety, the environment and trade.
NMI is a division within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. NMI is directly accountable to the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry (The Hon Richard Marles MP) and the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (Senator the Hon Kim Carr) and and through them to the Australian Parliament. The Chief Metrologist is appointed by the Secretary and has functions conferred on him or her under the National Measurement Act and the National Measurement Regulations.
NMI was established on 1 July 2004 to take responsibility for the Australian Government's measurement functions as described in the National Measurement Act 1960. It was formed by bringing together CSIRO's National Measurement Laboratory, the National Standards Commission and the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories. On 1 July 2010, NMI became responsibile for trade measurement when the Commonwealth took over responsibility for weights and measurements from the states and territories.
NMI operates from a number of sites around Australia and is organised into five main branches: chemical and biological metrology, physical metrology, analytical services, legal metrology and business services. Click here for details of our:
Click here for details of employment opportunities within NMI and the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.