The Commonwealth Science Council, chaired by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, met in Canberra on Monday.
It was the second meeting of the group, which also includes Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane, that was established to provide strategic advice to Government on science and technology issues.
Members of the Council include Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC, Professor Ian Frazer AC, Professor Brian Schmidt AC, Mr Michael Chaney AO, Dr Jackie Fairley and Ms Catherine Livingstone AO.
Amongst the issues discussed at Monday's meeting, the Council focussed on the further development of a whole of government policy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
According to Mr Macfarlane, this consultation will help formulate a policy that will enhance Australian competitiveness, support high quality education and training, maximise research potential and strengthen international engagement through STEM.
"The STEM agenda will help ensure that Australia’s world-class science and world-leading industry collectively secure our future economic strength and prosperity," he said.
In addition to discussing STEM, other items for the Council included setting national science and research priorities, implementation of the Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research strategy, carrying out the Industry Growth Centres initiative and the Research Infrastructure Review.