Who is the science minister? Federal and every state

Australia has nine parliaments: the federal parliament and one for each state and territory. Each government decides its own ministry, so the science portfolio has a different name, and sometimes a different minister, in each one. 7 of the nine currently have a minister whose title covers science. This page lists them, their shadows, and the other ministers who share the work, with addresses from each parliament's official records.

Science, Innovation and the Digital Economy ministers at a glance

No minister in Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory has science in their title right now. There, the work usually sits with another minister (see "Also relevant" below), or it isn't a responsibility of that level of government.

Federal addresses are for Parliament House, where portfolio mail should go. State and territory addresses are the minister's electorate office, which passes portfolio mail on.

Names, roles and addresses on this page come from each parliament's official member lists. Data checked 20 October 2026.

Federal or state: who's responsible for science?

The federal government funds most research, including the CSIRO and national research grants, and sets national policy on science and technology. State and territory ministers run their own innovation programs, chief scientist offices and digital government services.

If you're not sure which level handles your issue, write to your own local member as well. Their office can pass your letter to the right minister.

Science, Innovation and the Digital Economy ministers by parliament

Federal science minister

The Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science in the federal government is Tim Ayres (ALP, Senator for New South Wales). Write to them at PO Box 6100, Senate, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600.

In opposition, Aaron Violi (LIB) is Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy and Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

New South Wales science minister

The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology in New South Wales is Anoulack Chanthivong (ALP, Member for Macquarie Fields), who is also Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections. Write to them at Unit 9, Centennial House, 12 Ingleburn Road, Ingleburn NSW 2565.

In opposition, James Griffin (LIB) is Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and Investment. In opposition, Jacqui Munro (LIB) is Shadow Minister for Science and Technology.

Victoria science minister

The Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy in Victoria is Anthony Carbines (ALP, Member for Ivanhoe), who is also Minister for Major Events, Minister for Racing and Minister for Economic Development. Write to them at PO Box 63, Heidelberg VIC 3084.

In opposition, Richard Welch (LIB) is Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation and Shadow Minister for AI and the Digital Economy.

Queensland science minister

The Minister for Science and Innovation in Queensland is Andrew Powell (LNP, Member for Glass House), who is also Minister for the Environment and Tourism. Write to them at PO Box 727, Maleny QLD 4552.

In opposition, Leanne Linard (ALP) is Shadow Minister for Environment, Science, Innovation and Climate Change.

Western Australia science minister

The Minister for Science and Innovation in Western Australia is Stephen Dawson (ALP, Member of the Legislative Council), who is also Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Ports and Minister for Kimberley. Write to them at PO Box 2440, South Hedland WA 6722.

In opposition, David Bolt (LIB) is Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation.

South Australia science minister

The Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy in South Australia is Chris Picton (ALP, Member for Kaurna), who is also Minister for State Development, Minister for Defence and Space Industries and Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Write to them at Seaford Meadows Shopping Centre, 760 Grand Boulevard, Seaford Meadows SA 5169.

Tasmania science minister

The Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy in Tasmania is Felix Ellis (LIB, Member for Braddon), who is also Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management and Minister for Skills and Jobs. Write to them at 4/21 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone TAS 7315.

In opposition, Janie Finlay (ALP) is Shadow Minister for Innovation, Artificial Intelligence & the Digital Economy. On the crossbench, Tabatha Badger (GRN) is Greens Spokesperson for Science and Information Technology.

Shadow science ministers and spokespeople

A shadow minister leads the opposition's policy on science and questions the government in parliament. Write to them when you want an issue raised publicly, or want to know what the alternative government would do. Crossbench spokespeople, such as the Greens in some parliaments, are listed too.

See every opposition frontbench on the list of shadow ministers.

Also relevant

Assistant ministers, parliamentary secretaries and ministers for closely related areas. If your issue is about one of these areas, they may be the better person to write to, or you can copy them in.

How to address a letter to a minister

Address the envelope to the minister by name and title, then their office address. Inside, open with Dear Minister. Only write "The Hon" if the minister holds that title; some state ministers do not. The address blocks on each politician page already use the right form. For more detail, see how to address a letter to an MP.

• Keep to one issue, and say exactly which program, service or decision you mean.
• Say what you want the minister to do, in one sentence.
• Include your full postal address so the office can reply.
• A short personal story carries more weight than statistics the department already has.

Write to a science minister now

Pick a minister from the table above and press Write. Better Letters prints your signed letter and posts it for you, or you can download the PDF free and post it yourself. A printed, signed letter is harder to set aside than an email.