Neville Stevens AO has extensive experience in the government and private sectors in the development and implementation of policy for R&D, with a focus on IT and communications.
Neville drove the industry policy and innovation agenda in roles including Secretary of the Industry Department and Secretary of the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. He was also a key advisor in many other areas of government including industry policy, telecommunications reform, broadcasting and media policy, research and development issues and the development of the Australian information technology industry.
Since leaving the public service in 2001, Neville has continued his involvement with innovation and industry research collaboration at both a policy and operational level. As Chairman of National ICT Australia Ltd (NICTA), Neville oversaw the growth of Australia’s largest ICT research organisation, with an annual budget exceeding $100 million. During his tenure as Chair of AC3 Limited – a company founded by universities and the NSW Government to deliver dedicated IT services – the organisation moved from loss to profitability. As Chair of the CRC Committee, Neville managed the Federal Government’s $150 million annual investment in CRCs from selection to monitoring and review of centres.
Today, Neville remains a key advisor to federal, state and territory governments, undertaking reviews in many areas including renewable energy, Indigenous broadcasting, tertiary education and research facilities. Neville has chaired numerous advisory bodies, particularly within the innovation and research collaboration space.
Currently, Neville serves as:
- Special Advisor to the NSW Government’s Innovation and Productivity Council, with a remit to advise on ways of boosting productivity, jobs growth and industry research collaboration;
- Chair of the Australian Press Council a self-regulatory body promoting high standards of media practice and responds to community complaints about the media;
- Chair of the ACT Government Clubs Diversification Fund Board.