National Measurement Institute facts for kids
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Lindfield, New South Wales |
| Minister responsible |
|
| Parent agency | Department of Industry, Science and Resources |
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is Australia's main organization for all things related to measurement. It makes sure that measurements for things like science, chemicals, and even everyday items are correct across Australia. NMI is part of the Australian Government's Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
How NMI Started
The NMI was formed in 2004. It was created by joining three important groups together. These groups were the National Measurement Laboratory (which used to be part of CSIRO), the National Standards Commission, and the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories. This merger helped bring all of Australia's measurement experts into one place.
Later, on July 1, 2010, NMI also took charge of 'trade measurement'. This means they became responsible for making sure things like scales in shops are accurate across the whole country.
What NMI Does
NMI is Australia's top organization for measurement. It is in charge of the national measurement system. This includes keeping Australia's main standards for measurement accurate. Think of these as the official rulers and scales that everything else is compared to.
Supporting Australian Industries
NMI does important research and provides the rules for how measurements are used in Australia's economy. They work closely with businesses and the government. NMI offers expert advice on measurement. They also provide services like calibration, which means checking and adjusting measuring tools to make them accurate.
They also perform chemical and biological tests. NMI helps make sure that products meet certain standards. This includes checking new measuring devices before they are used. All of this work helps support Australia's system for standards and quality checks.
Who Leads NMI
The person in charge of NMI is called the Chief Executive Officer. They are also the Chief Metrologist, which means they are the top expert in measurement science. As of August 2025, Dr Bruce Warrington holds this important role.
