ACS Congratulates Albanese Government on Re-Election

5 May 2025

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia's technology sector, congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government on their re-election.

ACS Chief Executive Josh Griggs said the organisation hopes to see a renewed focus on growing Australia's technology capabilities during the government's second term.

"Australia faces significant challenges and opportunities in the technology space. Our recent engagement with Ministers has highlighted the government's interest in strengthening the sector, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, AI and skills development. However, there's more work to be done," said Mr. Griggs.

"Based on our Election Platform, we urge the government to prioritise several key policy areas including building our technology commercialisation frameworks, energy infrastructure for our growing data centre needs, online safety measures, AI regulation. We also call for continued support for skills development and migration to address our tech talent shortages," he said in comments that were echoed by ACS President Helen McHugh.

The ACS 2024-25 Election Platform has nine core recommendations for the next Parliament across two major pillars: skills and commercialisation.

1.       Develop a National Innovation Strategy that is not subject to election cycles

2.       Leverage public procurement to stimulate innovation and support Australian businesses

3.       Treat the national R&D review as a priority reform process

4.       Enhance CRC. Build CRC business models to foster enduring collaboration across sectors

5.       Support scalable, sustainable co-investment models between industry and universities

6.       Fast-track the development of a National Skills Taxonomy

7.       Invest in lifelong learning and fast-track a National Digital Skills Passport to recognise learning

8.       Fast-track harmonisation between VET and higher education

9.       Expand the use of skills frameworks like SFIA and formalise skills-based professionalisation

"The technology sector will be central to Australia's economic growth, sovereignty, and security in the coming years," Helen McHugh said. "With proper policy settings and continued collaboration between government, industry, and professional bodies like ACS, we can ensure Australia becomes a leading digital economy and society.

“ACS looks forward to continuing constructive dialogue with the Albanese Government as it shapes policies for its second term.”

-ENDS-

Further information

Troy Steer

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

M – 0417 173 740

E – [email protected]

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.

Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.

ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.

Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.