Long way to go before we become a tech nation
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As individuals, Australians are quick to adopt new technologies, from using digital wallets to trading cryptocurrencies. But as a nation, we rank 36 out of 37 when benchmarked on our overall digital economic performance compared to other OECD countries.
So can Australia call itself a technology country? To give the lawyerâs answer: it depends.
Australia doesnât lack the talent, just the experience, says Afterpay co-founder Anthony Eisen. Â
Renee Nowytarger
But given Australia has emerged relatively untarnished by the COVID-19 pandemic (minus debt, psychological effects, and immigration slowdown woes) plus increased investment activity into tech companies from retail investing to venture capital, leaders like Salesforce chief executive Pip Marlow say weâre certainly âdigitally primedâ to accept a faster transition to new technologies than before 2020 and to play a greater role in making them.
iTWire Friday, 07 May 2021 14:45 Australian Government invests $1.2 billion to secure digital future
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This year’s Federal Budget includes a $1.2 billion investment for Australia’s digital future. The Digital Economy Strategy targets investment in emerging technologies, building digital skills, business investments, and enhancing Government service delivery.
The Morrison Government is investing almost $1.2 billion in Australia’s digital future through the Digital Economy Strategy, as part of this year’s Federal Budget.
The strategy outlines the policies and actions the Government is taking to grow Australia’s future as a modern and leading digital economy by 2030.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia’s biggest challenges and opportunities turns on how we respond to the digital transformation occurring in every sector and every facet of our lives.
Friday 7 May 2021
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.2 billion investment to grow Australia’s digital capabilities and help businesses innovate and grow in the new digital economy.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the investment as part of a new Digital Economy Strategy will further support innovation and create jobs in the retail sector, which has seen an acceleration of trends over the past year.
“The Covid pandemic has resulted in a powerful shift in the way people live and work and how people purchase the goods and services they need,” Mr Zahra said.
“When lockdowns and restrictions were introduced just over a year ago, some retail businesses had to scramble to boost their online and digital offerings, so they could continue to operate while people were confined to their homes.
Australia gets AU$1.2bn pre-budget digital boost
07 May 2021 | Melanie Mingas The Australian government has unveiled a wide-ranging, AU$1.2 billion scheme to boost the country s digital future.
Comprising eight key parts, the Digital Economy Strategy was announced ahead of the 11 May Federal budget and covered everything from gaming to digitalisation and e-health.
Of the total budgeted, there will be more than $100 million made available to support digital skills, investments in the cyber workforce, and scholarships for emerging technology graduates.
Investment incentives and data in the economy were two major points of interest. Here a Digital Games Tax Offset of 30% will be introduced to support Australia taking a greater share of the $250 billion global game development market, and changes to the way Australian businesses can claim depreciation of intangible assets like intellectual property and in-house software.