Australian Digital Economy Strategy 2030
November 2017
Strategies and Action Plans
The Australian Digital Economy Strategy 2030 provides a comprehensive roadmap aimed at positioning the country as a world-leading digital economy and society by 2030. It focuses on three main pillars:
- Foundations for growth:
- Digital infrastructure: Investments are being made in high-speed internet, 5G networks, and expanding regional connectivity. Initiatives like the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout and mobile black spot programs aim to ensure access to robust digital infrastructure nationwide.
- Cyber security and trust: The government emphasises cybersecurity to build trust in digital platforms. The 2020 Cyber Security Strategy, with $1.67 billion in funding, supports resilience, data security, and innovation in trusted technologies.
- Skills and inclusion: Education and training programs, like JobTrainer and the Digital Skills Organisation, address the need for digital literacy and advanced technological capabilities. Inclusion initiatives target affordability and access for all Australians, including Indigenous communities.
- Emerging technologies:
- Focused investments in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and quantum computing aim to position Australia at the forefront of global technology innovation.
- Programs like the AI Action Plan and Next Generation AI Graduates are fostering talent and development in advanced tech sectors.
- Digital growth priorities:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Encouragement for SMEs to adopt digital tools, such as e-commerce and cyber security measures, to drive productivity and market expansion.
- Modern Industry Sectors: Promoting digital transformation in critical sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and health.
- Digital Government and Services: Initiatives such as enhancing myGov and implementing e-invoicing aim to deliver seamless, accessible, and secure government services.
Key budget initiatives and metrics
The government has allocated $1.2 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for targeted investments, including:
- AI adoption across industries.
- Expansion of the Digital Identity System for secure access to services.
- Digital cadetship trials and graduate programs to build a future-ready workforce.
Progress is tracked against clear metrics, such as:
- 100% availability of government services online.
- Increasing advanced digital skills graduates to 15,000 per year.
- Ensuring that 95% of SMEs utilize e-commerce tools.
Australia’s digital economy strategy is a living framework, adaptable to emerging challenges and opportunities to ensure the nation remains competitive globally and achieves its vision of a digitally inclusive society.
The Digital Economy Strategy 2022 Update outlines Australia’s progress toward becoming a top 10 digital economy and society by 2030. Building upon the initial $1.2 billion investment from the 2021-22 Budget, an additional $347 million was allocated over the past year, with a further $1.1 billion committed in 2022 to support the development of Australia’s digital economy.
Parliamentary Management Committee
Key initiatives introduced in the 2022 update include:
- Technology investment boost: A $1 billion incentive designed to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies. This measure allows eligible businesses to deduct an additional 20% of the cost of expenses and depreciating assets that support digital uptake, such as cloud services, cyber security systems, and portable payment devices. Launchy
- Quantum commercialisation hub: An allocation of $70 million to establish a hub aimed at accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies. This initiative seeks to position Australia as a leader in the emerging quantum industry by fostering collaboration between researchers and businesses to develop practical applications. Parliamentary Management Committee
- 5G innovation: An investment of $22.6 million to further support 5G innovation, facilitating the development and deployment of 5G technologies across various sectors. This funding is intended to enhance connectivity, drive productivity, and enable new business models. Parliamentary Management Committee
- Support for women in tech: A commitment of $3.9 million to assist women transitioning mid-career into the digital workforce. This initiative aims to address gender disparities in the tech industry by providing targeted support, training, and opportunities for women seeking to enter or advance in digital roles. Parliamentary Management Committee
- Reforming payment systems: Efforts to modernize Australia’s payment systems to better align with the digital age. This includes regulatory reforms to accommodate digital currencies and emerging payment platforms, ensuring the financial system remains secure, efficient, and competitive. Parliamentary Management Committee
These initiatives build upon the foundational elements of the original strategy, focusing on enhancing digital infrastructure, cyber security, skills development, and regulatory frameworks to support innovation and growth in Australia’s digital economy.