The Australian Government is opening consultation on how to harness and manage critical technologies that are putting the country at the forefront of technological advancement. 

“We know the development of critical technologies presents enormous potential opportunities as well as risks for Australians,” Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said. 

“It is vital we understand and send a clear signal about what technologies we should be focusing on and where our strengths lie – and that is exactly what this consultation is all about.” 

People within the tech community are encouraged to provide feedback on the List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest to clarify the technologies considered vital for Australia’s interests. 

Minister Husic said it is vital for Australia’s continued and future prosperity that emerging and critical technologies are promoted and protected. 

The Australian Government is focused on improving the emerging and critical technologies given the potential of the technologies to accelerate Australia’s productivity growth and create well-paying jobs. This is in addition to their foundational role in national security and social cohesion. 

To reach the country’s potential, the government needs to identify and understand the technologies’ strengths and weaknesses. By identifying technologies that will play a vital role in our national industrial and scientific progress, the List provides focus and forms the basis for further discussions around investment and collaboration across all sectors of the economy. 

“This work is also part of our goal to reach 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030, as well as securing our supply chains and promoting Australia as a secure destination of excellence for investment, development and adoption of critical technologies,” Minister Husic said.

“The Government is also investing $1 billion in critical technologies as part of the National Reconstruction Fund, to build our strategic capability and power the economic growth we need to create jobs.” 

The 2022 List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest will build on the 2021 List, which featured 63 technologies across seven categories: Advanced materials and manufacturing; AI, computing and communications; Biotechnology, gene technology and vaccines; Energy and environment; Quantum; Sensing, timing and navigation; and Transportation, robotics and space. 

The consultation will run for six weeks and close on 30 September 2022. 

Source: Minister for Industry and Science media release. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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