News

Govt seeks foreign investment tech platform

The federal government has gone to the market for a tech provider to develop a new foreign investment IT platform to replace the existing system, which has “not kept...

Huawei ban to blame for icy relations: China

The Australian government’s “unethical” and “illegal” ban of China’s global technology brand Huawei had contributed significantly to the deterioration of relations between the two nations, a senior Chinese diplomat...

Victoria’s EV tax policy ‘worst in world’

A group of manufacturers and industry groups have slammed Victoria’s proposed tax on EV owners as the “worst electric vehicle policy in the world”, and called on the upper...

Govt flags ‘technology neutral’ law reforms

The government plans to introduce legislative reforms this year to make Australia’s laws “technology neutral” and make permanent many of the digital communications allowances introduced during the pandemic. Treasurer...

CSIRO action and more cash for energy future

The federal government and CSIRO have announced new funding and new initiatives to drive research and investment in future energy systems. On Wednesday Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $540...

DFAT cyber engagement strategy launched

Australia has pledged $37.5 million to its regional neighbours to sure up their cyber defences and will seek to establish a new global agreement on responsible cyber behaviour, as...

Celebrate success to drive innovation ambition: Simmons

Quantum physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year Michelle Simmons has warned of a ‘cultural insecurity’ in Australia about creating companies, stemming from a lack of awareness and pride...

Victoria commits $50m to mRNA vaccine facility

The Victorian government has committed $50 million to support the manufacture of mRNA vaccines in the state because of global vaccine supply insecurity. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the...

Govt co-invests $8.4m to commercialise Australian IP

Twelve companies have shared in $8.4 million in co-investment from the government in the latest round of its Accelerating Commercialisation grant program. Announced Tuesday by Industry Minister Christian Porter,...

A reasonable robot in the eyes of the law

Whether it’s driving a car, making a medical diagnosis by referencing a database of historical cases, finding potential new drugs, or playing chess, artificial intelligence is increasingly performing tasks...

Data Commissioner defends new sharing scheme

The government has struck the right balance with its sweeping new data-sharing scheme which will “streamline” service delivery, the Data Commissioner has told a Senate committee hearing, which also...

Govt to ‘go further’ on digital in budget

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told business leaders to expect more government investment in digital projects and skills development, promising there is “more to come” beyond the $800 million...

Albo pitches renewables revolution

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has told a clean energy summit Australia can’t afford to waste any more time in the transition to renewable energy, hours after the Prime Minister...

Govt ‘permissions capability’ project behind schedule

The federal government is still yet to choose which large US tech firm will be handed a significant contract to develop a “permissions capability” which will first handle visa...