The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has identified 13 key areas that government should provide funding for ahead of Australia’s goal of becoming a digital-driven society by 2030.
In its pre-budget statement and priorities for the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the AIIA believes that investing in digital innovation is more important than ever for Australia’s future productivity and economic resilience.
AIIA CEO Simon Bush states that Australia has an opportunity to cement itself as a leading digital economy by investing in critical technologies.
“The Albanese Government has an opportunity to ensure that Australia reaches its dual goals of being a leading digital economy by 2030 and a leading digital government by 2025 through strategic investment in technology,” he said.
“Investment in key areas such as cyber security, AI and quantum will demonstrate the long-term view and commitment that these technologies will lead Australia’s economic growth in coming years.”
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The AIIA highlighted the need to invest in cyber security capabilities for SMEs, bold commercial approaches to procurements in critical and emerging technology such as quantum. With Australia now at a pivotal stage of growing its quantum industry, the AIIA recommends that the funding needed to deliver the priorities of the National Quantum Strategy must be over and above the funding initiatives outlined in the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).
The document also emphasised how Australia should be looking to improve its digital capability programs for neighbouring countries, better investments in the Future Made in Australia Office, myGov platform and Digital Identity reforms and urgent visa processing resources.
Following recent issues arising from the rapid increase of technology, the AIIA called for the establishment of a Council of Tech Regulators, Office of the National Digital Twin and Federal Digital Innovation Project Fund.
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The industry body also stated that government should invest in industry and government adoption and principled use of AI.
“The National AI Strategy funding as announced in the 2021-22 Budget is still yet to reach industry. The Government must work to deliver these funds so key projects can be implemented with a clear focus on commercialisation of AI,” Bush said.
“For Australia to be economically successful over the next decade and beyond, we must ensure that we have domestic AI capability.”
The industry body expressed disappointment that the $124m funding for government’s AI Strategy in the 2021-22 Budget is yet to be allocated, and called for government to provide leadership and implement AI adoption guidelines and governance rules for agencies, and to establish an AI Register.
The AIIA also empahised that the future of the SME Tech Investment Boost must be made certain for industry with extended funding for at least another two years.
This can create a key incentive for SMEs to invest in cyber security solutions, training and greater adoption of cloud technology.
“While industry and research grants are welcomed, supporting Australia’s emerging and critical tech sector with direct government contracts would contribute to long-term capability in the sector,” Bush said.
“Government procurement is an important instrument that can support Australia’s sovereign tech capability and needs to be considered in any new funding mechanisms.”