BLUF

The Conversation argues that digital intelligence is crucial for Australian prosperity and security; therefore, the government should be prepared to provide more funding.

Summary

The 2021-22 Federal Budget unveiled a Digital Economy Strategy to make Australia ‘a leading digital economy and society by 2030’. The Tufts University Digital Intelligence Index includes factors such as:

  • Digital payment and logistics infrastructure.
  • Internet usage.
  • Regulations.
  • Research.

Tufts gave Australia a current digital intelligence world ranking of 17. 

The priorities of the Digital Economic Strategy are:

  • Education.
  • Support for small and medium enterprises.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Artificial intelligence -$124.2 million over six years.
  • Drones.
  • Data sharing.
  • Support of government services.
  • Tax incentives.

Much of the current funding goes to improving MyGov and My Health Record. Improved digital intelligence is crucial to economic recovery from COVID-19. This article argues that Australia needs about 60,000 new technology workers every year for the next five years but currently produces only about 7,000 IT graduates.

Learn more about Australia’s digital economy

References