From the Ministry

Quantum technology is the new manufacturing

As Minister for Industry and Science I am keenly aware of how these two areas of my portfolio complement each other. Scientific research and technological advances are essential to development of Australian industries, including manufacturing.

My first official function as minister in early June was at a science event and on that occasion and at science events since I have also taken the opportunity to speak about industry. The Australian Government has a plan to rebuild manufacturing capability across industry sectors. We want Australia to be known as a smart nation which makes things that are valued both domestically and internationally. We want to be makers, not takers of manufactured products. Australia has the capability and the capacity to be a world leader in advanced industries, but we need to effectively apply these attributes. We need to be able to compete and succeed at the highest levels. Our competitors are applying technology in ways that will transform their economies and we have to do that too. At the same time we need to cooperate with like-minded countries to solve common problems. The government aims to create a sense of national purpose, with governments, industry and researchers working together, supported by the Australian people. A big issue we have had in Australia for a long time is the brain drain. We produce so many bright people, so many innovators, but we need to be able to keep them here to help develop our industries. Exciting things are happening in science which will have profound implications for industrial development and have the potential to provide much more work in Australia for our home-grown talent. For example, our nation is at the forefront in the development of quantum computing and the Australian Government aims to make sure we continue to go from strength to strength in this everexpanding sector. This is because quantum technology is a big deal. It will be a game changer that allows us to move beyond the capabilities of current technologies. Quantum computing harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics - the rules which govern the behaviour of the smallest things in the universe like atoms and subatomic particles. It will deliver results far more quickly and efficiently than classical computing. Potential quantum computing applications include artificial intelligence, defence and advanced manufacturing. The Australian Government is committed to backing critical and emerging technologies like quantum. As part of the National Reconstruction Fund the government has set aside $1bn in a Critical Technology Fund that will help support the evolution of local quantum companies. We are also providing $4m for up to 20 PhDs in quantum research to support universities establish national research and education partnerships. This will help to support home-grown innovation and production in areas like engineering, data science, software development, AI, robotics and quantum. Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley is leading the development of a National Quantum Strategy, building on the development of the quantum industry roadmap she led at the CSIRO. She is doing a great job and I look forward to continue to work with her in the future. The quantum strategy will identify priority areas for investment and focus on commercialisation opportunities, supply chains and the development of skills. It will foster coordination and collaboration around efforts to grow Australia’s quantum ecosystem. The quantum technology sector is growing exponentially globally and is predicted to reach $2.25bn by 2026 from $550m in 2021. This figure will continue to grow dramatically and we are well placed to make the most of our opportunities. Australia has only one-third of 1% of the world’s population but accounts for 4.2% of global research in this field and 11 of Australia’s universities rank above the global standard for quantum technology research. I want Australia not only to make the most of its home grown talent in quantum but to be a destination for talent from overseas. We have six centres of excellence in Australia where quantum is at the core of their endeavours but I want the whole nation to be seen as a centre of quantum excellence. As the go-to nation to get the job done. The reason why I continually stress the importance of technology in the economy is that it builds sharper, stronger businesses. The Australian Government has great confidence that our nation can be a place that makes things and employs cutting edge technologies to do so. We need, as a country, to back ourselves more. With government, industry and researchers working together we can create clear pathways for new and emerging technologies to support world class industries. Australia’s leadership in quantum is a model for what we can do with technologies across the board. Australians got in early and have applied themselves with great dedication and ingenuity. Quantum is a shining example of what we can do to lay the foundations for a new era in our nation’s industrial development.

industry.gov.au