The AIIIA CEO Ron Gauci welcomed the appointment of Melissa Price for the Science and Technology portfolio and Angus Taylor for the Industry portfolio. 

“As Australia’s peak body for the technology industry, the AIIA welcomes Morrison Government’s new ministerial appointments: The Hon Melissa Price MP for the Science and Technology portfolio and The Hon Angus Taylor MP for the Industry portfolio. 

“We look forward to working with both Minister Price and Minister Taylor over the coming months. Although technology will be spread across several portfolios we know that this will be a successful reshuffle; if Minister’s continue to work closely together and engage with industry and our Association on behalf of its members. 

“We also recognise that the sharing of the Defense and Technology portfolios is a strategic move, given the key role technology will continue to play in protecting our country. The AUKUS pact demonstrates that technology is a strategic capability and we agree that AI, cyber and Quantum should be strategic priorities for Australia which highlights why an alignment with the Technology portfolio and Defence prescient decision.

“Also, there is the potential for additional synergies by bringing Science and Technology under one minister. Australia already does R&D commercialisation so well and if these changes lead to some greater policy focus in this area then we would welcome it. The AIIA remains committed to working with the Government to ensure a thriving digital ecosystem that will position Australia as a leader globally in innovation technology,” Gauci said.

Gauci noted that last month, the AIIA released its White Paper “Growing Globally Competitive Industries: Powered by Australia’s innovation technology”, challenging the country’s most influential decision makers to seize the opportunity for significant economic growth.

“We remind the ministers that Australia’s ability to innovate and support innovation of digital technologies will determine our economic future. 

“ICT is now Australia’s third-largest industry and touches all Australians. If we are to remain a nation of producers and not simply consumers. Now is the time to act.

“Australia’s ongoing prosperity depends on its ability to innovate, requiring strong leadership with clear policies and strategies in place. With the ICT sector at the heart of every industry, we must support our innovators and ensure Australia can retain ownership of our brilliant creations and ensure we do not fall behind our international peers.”