Level 6, Yarra Tower, World Trade Centre
637 Flinders Street, Melbourne  Vic  3005  Australia
Telephone:  +61 3 9628-7272
   Fax:   +61 3 9628-7253

Email:  info@nifs.com.au

In fact, the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) was established, as a National Common Police Service, under an Agreement signed by the Australasian Police Ministers' Council in 1991.  NIFS commenced operations in February 1992.  It is located in Melbourne, Victoria.

In 2008, there was agreement by the Ministerial Council of Police and Emergency Management-Police (MCPEM-P) that NIFS would become a Directorate in the recently formed Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA).  In terms of Governance, NIFS reports through ANZPAA to the ANZPAA Board.  There is also an advisory NIFS Forum Chaired by Professor James Robertson PSM AM and with representation from providers of services in the forensic sciences, academia, research organisations, the Commonwealth and Senior Managers of Australian and New Zealand Forensic Laboratories (SMANZFL). 

The Honourable Professor John Harber Phillips AC QC was the Chair of the NIFS Board of Control and later the ANZPAA NIFS Forum.  He held these roles from 1992 until his passing on 7 August 2009.  Professor Phillips had a distinguished professional career in the law and an unstinting interest in the forensic sciences that provided lasting contributions to Australia and Australians.

The John Harber Phillips Award now recognises his achievements and serves to further promote and reward outstanding contributions to the advancement of the forensic sciences.

The role of the Institute is defined by its core functions.

• Sponsor and support research in forensic science;
• Assistance with the development and co-ordination of forensic science services between jurisdictions;
• Facilitation and information exchange between relevant parties;
• Support, co-ordinate and conduct training programs in forensic science;   and
• Co-ordination of the delivery of relevant forensic science quality assurance programs.

In carrying out its core functions, NIFS will further develop and maintain sound working relationships with education providers and the international forensic science community.  This is a key factor in the Australian forensic community achieving international best practice.

Note: NIFS is not a teaching institute and is not directly involved in teaching courses in forensic science.  Nor is it a forensic laboratory or provider and offers no forensic tests or appraisals.