ChemCentre
ChemCentre is Western Australia's specialised chemistry and forensic science facility in Perth, Western Australia. ChemCentre provides analytical chemical science and forensic science services, including Hazmat emergency response for a safe and prosperous Western Australia. ChemCentre also undertakes research and innovation for the benefit of Western Australia, and offers an education and outreach program. Its work encompasses all the major industries in WA and provides essential chemical information and services in policing, justice, public health and safety and environmental protection.
ChemCentre has an extensive history, and traces its origins of protecting and supporting the community back to the 1890s and the Western Australian gold rush. With the passing of the Explosives Act 1895, the State Government appointed the first official Government Analyst, along with the Government Assayer. In 1933, these two offices were amalgamated and later incorporated in the then Mines Department. After being located at various times in Perth and Fremantle, the Government Chemical laboratories was formed and located in East Perth in 1944.
In 1950, the laboratory gained accreditation under the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), and ChemCentre remains the longest continuously NATA registered facility in operation in Australia.
In 1988, the organisation was renamed Chemistry Centre (WA) and its operations focus shifted to permit work for private clients as well as government agencies. The Chemistry Centre (WA) Act 2007 established ChemCentre as a statutory authority, and in 2009 ChemCentre moved to its current purpose-built premises on the Curtin University campus, neighbouring CSIRO in Bentley.
What ChemCentre does
Forensic science
ChemCentre's forensic science laboratory provides analytical services in forensic toxicology, chemical criminalistics, drug analysis and racing chemistry. ChemCentre plays a key role in the administration of justice in Western Australia. Its forensic science experts provide high quality, defensible chemical analysis and testing for the Office of the State Coroner, Western Australia Police and other government agencies and regularly provide testimony in legal proceedings.
ChemCentre works closely with police in the fight against illicit drug use and clandestine drug manufacture and is one of the world's leading laboratories in the testing of illicit and synthetic drugs. It also supports police in traffic enforcement through the provision of alcohol and drug analyses.
Its specialist racing chemistry team delivers comprehensive analytical and consultative services to Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA), WA's controlling authority for thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing to ensure the integrity for the industry is maintained.
Scientific services
The Scientific Services Division provides scientific services, analysis and advice on the chemistry associated with air, water, soil, biota (animal and plant tissues), mining, occupational health and safety, agriculture, petroleum, manufacturing and processing. Its advice informs government and industry in their decisions in managing chemistry-related risk. Its expertise contributes to WA' sustainable economic development while ensuring people and the environment are safeguarded. It conducts fee-for-service consulting work which helps to offset the cost to government of ChemCentre delivering on its statutory obligations.
Emergency response
Emergency response is a core function of ChemCentre and provides an essential service to Western Australia. ChemCentre's hazmat service works with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to deliver a 24 hours/7days a week emergency response service to provide support in incidents involving Chemical, Biological and Radiological substances. ChemCentre's highly specialised Hazmat experts operate state of the art equipment and a purpose-built vehicle - "laboratory on wheels" - ready to respond every day of the year.
Research and Innovation
Collaborative and applied Research and Innovation for the benefit of Western Australia has long been a key component of ChemCentre's operations. ChemCentre's research activity assists both government and industry to make informed decisions and develop evidence-based policies to mitigate WA's chemistry-related risks to public health and safety. ChemCentre is a key participant in several, national CRCs (Cooperative Research Centres) with links to international research institutions.
ChemCentre has formed strong industry and academic collaborations to undertake targeted research h aimed at value-adding and increasing market potential to assist in growing and diversifying the WA economy. ChemCentre's Research and Innovation program is focused on four priority areas: environment and mining, agriculture and food, water, and forensic science.
Education and outreach
ChemCentre delivers a range of outreach activities and broader community engagement in line with the Chemistry Centre (WA) Act 2007, which requires it to promote and assist in the provision of chemistry-based education and training.
It fulfils this requirement by providing expertise to state, national and international working groups, where a WA-based benefit is defined, engaging with traditional and social media, supporting tertiary science education through scholarships, guest lecturing and postgraduate student co-supervision. ChemCentre is a key supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives.
Further reading
- Chemistry Centre (W.A.) (1992) Making chemistry work for Western Australia : Chemistry Centre (W.A.) directions 1992-1996.East Perth, W.A.The Centre