Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The world has moved on a little. We cannot speak of the digital economy now as something separate from the economy as a whole. There was a time when we could, back in the 1980s and the 1990s, for example, when the widespread use of computers and the internet was new. Paul Keating, in the 1990s, spoke of the emerging digital economy. Now, almost everyone on the planet is walking around with at least one computer on their person every day. The digital economy is the economy.

Even what we still refer to as primary industries—mining and agriculture—are infused with the use of digital technology. To put it bluntly, pig farming is getting very technical these days. It shouldn't be a surprise that, when we refer, for example, to the Minister for Communications, we don't use the term 'minister for digital communications'. When we speak of the digital economy now, we need to be more nuanced, lest the term be meaningless. We can certainly identify and speak of the emerging technologies—all of which are wholly or partially digital. These include robotics, cybersecurity, new applications, payment systems, AI, quantum computing and others. The motion calls for a minister for digital technology. Of course, the minister for science and technology already holds this role; he covers the digital field well. In some ways, this seems to be a motion in search of an issue.

Perhaps the member for Bradfield's motion is coloured and confused somewhat by the confusion in the last Morrison ministry! Senator Hume did have the moniker 'digital economy' tacked onto her assistant ministry of superannuation and finance, but in the areas of science and industry it became a little muddy. After 15 April 2021, the member for Cook was Minister for Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and we're not sure what the then Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, the member for Hume, thought about that, nor what the Minister for Science and Technology, the member for Durack, thought about that—but it must have been very confusing. Australian voters don't have to worry about that now because they have a government with clearly defined roles; a prime minister with one job, which he's doing extremely well; and ministers who are very enthusiastic in their policy areas.

But I can still hear the motion calling out from the far past: 'Where's the digital strategy? We had a digital strategy. Where's your digital strategy?' I can't cover all the relevant work being done by the government in this area in the few minutes left, so I'll just touch on payment systems, cybersecurity, robotics, AI and quantum computing. In terms of payments, in June this year the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer released the Strategic Plan for Australia's Payments System. It included cybersafety, phasing out cheques, the broader use of digital ID, upskilling the workforce, the use of AI and many other facets.

In terms of cybersecurity, in December last year, the Minister for Cyber Security appointed the Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisory Board and opened consultation on the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. In February this year, the Prime Minister led a round table on cybersecurity. In March, Australia was ranked No. 1 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the country showing the most progress on cybersecurity. In June, the government appointed the inaugural National Cyber Security Coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie AM, CSC.

In robotics, submissions closed on 7 May for the National Robotics Strategy. The government will encourage investment in robotics and automation to invigorate the economy and improve dynamism and productivity, at the same time as ensuring a transition to safe and fulfilling jobs for Australian workers. In artificial intelligence, Minister Husic released a discussion paper in June. Safe and responsible AI in Australia looks at regulatory and government responses and proposes several options to strengthen the framework governing the use of AI. Consultations have recently closed, and feedback will be used to build on the $101.2 million in the May budget to support businesses to integrate quantum and artificial intelligence technologies into their operations. In quantum, in May, Minister Husic released Australia's first National quantum strategy based on extensive consultation with the Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley and with guidance from the National Quantum Advisory Committee. The minister stated that 'quantum technologies will be truly transformative'.

So I thank the member for the motion. No, it isn't time for a digital economy strategy. The world has moved on, and it is a digital world. We have strategies in the areas of payments, cybersecurity, robotics, AI and quantum computing, and we have more than one minister dedicated to those tasks at hand. To his point about small businesses continuing to use shoeboxes for their invoicing and the like: be assured that small businesses are not being overlooked in the movement and education for computing and digital technology.

See this speech in context