Government and private sector money must go into telecoms projects across Australia, writes Paul Budde. RECENTLY, I VISITED the Northern Territory.
Budget 2021: AAP receives funding boost, regional in focus and ACMA gains additional support
May 12, 2021 10:13
The Federal Government handed down the 2021 budget overnight, with several areas of the media, tech and regulatory sectors to receive funding boosts.
A joint release by Minister Paul Fletcher and Minister Mark Coulton recognised that the pandemic had created ongoing challenges for the arts sector, and also outlined the importance of digital service delivery for the economy going forward.
Josh Frydenberg hands down the 2021 Budget / Twitter
Regional was a significant theme, both in terms of funding journalism in regional areas and ensuring regional connectivity, with the government committing a further $84.4 million to its Regional Connectivity Program, which will go towards 81 telecommunications infrastructure projects.
The Federal Budget 2021-22: Technology wins
Technology goodies inside this year s Budget Credit: Victor Diola Jr Dreamstime
The 2021-22 Federal Budget has been released and it has a big technology focus, with the Government pledging nearly AU$1 billion as part of its Digital Economy Strategy. This funding includes spending for Artificial Intelligence (AI), the improvement of Australia’s digital connectivity, and for the development of digital skills for workers, to allow Australia to better compete with the rest of the world in key areas of the digital economy.
Boost to the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan
To boost the development of AI in business and to break down barriers to the AI industry, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $124.1 million in funding for AI as part of the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. Approximately $53.8 million of these funds will go towards setting up a National Artificial Intelligence Centre over the ne