The AIIA said that whilst not all the funding is new, a significant component is and in particular it welcomed the establishment of the $392m industry growth program aligned to early-stage commercialisation and the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority areas.

AIIA CEO Simon Bush said the 2023/24 budget has provided “important funding to a number of policy priorities that the AIIA has called for including funding for the Future Made in Australia Office ($18.1m) and improving government procurements so more Australian companies and SMEs can access the $8 billion + in ICT procured by government each year.

“We also welcome the over $2 billion in funding for key government technology platforms including expanding the important digital ID framework.

“The budget has a welcome investment in a number of areas around cyber security uplift which is vital for our economy including SMEs and funding to target scams and regulation around data breaches.

“The budget importantly makes good on promises to change migration and skills settings so that high demand digital jobs and training is funded and supported including assisting post-study work rights for Temporary Graduate Visa holders for in-demand skills and key sectors that the AIIA has been advocating.”