ACS welcomes budget funding for AI, robotics and STEM diversity

 

Peak IT professional body warns more must be invested to secure Australia’s place in the global digital economy.

 

14 May 2023

 

ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, has welcomed the IT and STEM measures in tonight’s Federal budget but warns the government needs to do more to ensure Australia maintains a modern, competitive economy and a society that reaps the benefit from digital

technologies.

 

Helen McHugh, ACS President, said: “I’m pleased to see $39 million to support the safe and responsible adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the commitment to developing a National Robotics Strategy, we are concerned that more must be done to help Australian businesses, governments, and society deal with the challenges and seize the opportunities from these emerging technologies.

 

“Equally, while I’m delighted to see the measures to increase diversity in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, however the $38.2 million dollars falls short of what’s needed to get more people into the sectors that will be critical to Australia’s future prosperity..

 

“In our budget submission, we laid out a plan to boost the nation’s digital skills and the capabilities of Australian industries. We look forward to working with the government and all of Parliament to highlight the importance of the technology profession and the nation’s continued economic success.”

 

 

 

-ENDS-

 

 

 

Further information

Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M – 0417 173 740
E – troy.steer@acs.org.au