Over the past decade there has been a significant rekindling of research and development in light alloys in the Australian science scene and this trend has recently been strengthened by the adoption of a Light Metals Action Agenda by the Australian government. Several universities are significant contributors to light metals research in Australia but much of the light metals R&D activity has been carried out within CSIRO and within the CAST Co-Operative Research Centre within which CSIRO and the universities are major research providers. More recently CSIRO has adopted Light Metals as one of five "Flagship Programs" and has earmarked significant additional resources for research and development in these programs. Significant outcomes from the CSIRO and CAST light alloy work will be presented. These include: . New heat treatment strategies to improve the creep performance and mechanical properties of age hardened aluminium alloys. . A low-cost magnesium casting alloy suitable for automotive powertrain applications. . Low-cost, high performance magnesium sheet production. . Chromate-free conversion coating processes for aluminium alloys. . A new die-casting technology that allows the production of high quality magnesium components with yields in excess of 90%. These achievements provide a snapshot of light alloys innovation in Australia.