Australia releases first National Quantum Strategy

The Australian Government has released the nation’s first National Quantum Strategy, which backs the Albanese government’s National Reconstruction Fund that will provide targeted investment of $1 billion for critical technologies like quantum. The Strategy will help guide collaboration between research pioneers, industry partners, startups and the government into the future.

The Strategy identifies five priority areas: investing in research and development and commercialisation; securing infrastructure and materials; growing a skilled workforce; supporting national interests; and promoting a trusted, ethical, inclusive ecosystem. It is based on extensive consultation across industry, researchers and the community, led by Australia’s chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley and with guidance from the National Quantum Advisory Committee. If Australia gets this right, it is estimated that quantum industries could create 19,400 direct jobs, with $5.9 billion of revenue by 2045.

Quantum technology uses the study of the smallest building blocks of nature, subatomic particles, to help solve challenges such as cutting the time and cost of developing new medicines; helping the transition to net zero with more efficient battery storage; and safeguarding cyber infrastructure.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said quantum computing will unleash incredible computing power that can outperform traditional computing. “I can’t emphasise this enough, quantum technologies will be truly transformative. We are already seeing how quantum sensing equipment is making a huge difference for industry. By pairing a National Quantum Strategy with the National Reconstruction Fund we’re aiming to turn Australia into a global technology leader, building stronger industry and creating jobs for the future,” Husic said.

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