The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has launched a new Digital Economy Strategy to maximise the benefits Australia will get from digital technology and highlight the role the technology can play in supporting business operations and delivering Government services.
Introducing the strategy PM&C said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the take up of digital technology and Australia needed to maintain this momentum to secure its future prosperity and protect its interests.
“Australia’s place in the world will be defined by how we adapt to digital technologies and modernise our economy,” the Department said.
“The next 10 years will determine whether we lead or fall behind,” it said.
“We are well placed to be a leading digital economy and have strong foundations, but many countries are investing heavily in their digital futures.’
The Department said the Strategy set out the foundations which would enable economic growth, including digital infrastructure; cyber security, safety and trust; skills and inclusion; systems and regulation; as well as trade and international engagement.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Digital Economy Strategy outlined the policies and actions the Government was taking to grow Australia’s future as a modern and leading digital economy by 2030.
“One of our biggest challenges and opportunities turns on how we respond to the digital transformation occurring in every sector and every facet of our lives,” Mr Morrison said.
“Every business in Australia is now a digital business; we must keep our foot on the digital accelerator to secure our economic recovery from COVID-19,” he said.
Mr Morrison said the Strategy targeted investment in emerging technologies; building digital skills; encouraging business investment; and enhancing Government service delivery.
Minister for the Digital Economy, Senator Jane Hume said many Australians were already participating in the digital economy, some without even realising it.
“Twenty years ago you might have looked in the phone book to find a plumber, now we turn to Google and comparison services – we get quotes within the same day and pay software generated invoices on our mobiles,” Senator Hume said.
“Australians rightly expect the Government to keep up with them, and to help chart the next step forward, and that’s exactly what we are doing with this Strategy,” she said.
The one-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
