Leaders in Australia’s technology and startup sector have welcomed Labor’s federal election victory, celebrating its plan to invest $1 billion in critical technologies
With almost 71% of the vote tallied on Sunday night, Labor appeared likely to form a narrow-majority government after enduring a decline in its own primary elections to defeat the incumbent Morrison government.
Labor’s return to government will likely see changes in the Australian tech sector, with policy pledges impacting critical technologies, the NBN and traning and skills.
A devastating turnaround against the Coalition saw it lose several Western Australia seats to Labour, while collapsing support in Melbourne saw former Liberal strongholds fall to ‘green’ independents.
The Australian tech sector welcomed the change of government after the Labor Party’s historic election victory on Saturday night, when the new Labor government promised more training and funding for advanced technologies.
In his victory speech, Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who was sworn in as Prime Minister on Monday morning, said he wanted to “unite Australians”.
Albanese oversaw the swearing in of his first cabinet ministers on Monday morning promoting senior Labor party members to prominent positions.
During the election campaign, Abanese pledged to reach 1.2 million tech workers in Australia by 2030, a target that would be met in part by 450,000 free TAFE places and the creation of 20,000 internships. additional academics.
Pre-election pledges included giving 90 percent of fixed-line installations the option to connect to a gigabit NBN by 2025, ending widespread reliance on consultants and contractors in the public service.
Comments from Australia’s technology sector.
The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) said that it looks forward to working with the new Labor government to develop and deliver a policy to address the nation’s digital skills shortage.
Tech Council of Australia CEO (TCA) Kate Pounder said that TCA worked with Anthony Albanese prior to his appointment when he committed to support the goal of employing 1.2 million people in tech jobs by 2030.
Telstra said it had a strong working relationship with the ALP and was looking forward to working with them in Government to deliver policy reform needed in the telecommunications sector.
Commpete, Australia’s peak body for challenger telecommunications brands, congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on the historic victory in the federal election.
In particular, Commpete wishes to recognise the re-election of Michelle Rowland and looks forward to working with her as the likely Minister for Communications. Commpete appreciates the many years of commitment to the telecommunications sector Ms. Rowland has demonstrated as a Shadow Communications Minister, ably supported by her expert team of advisors.
Commpete Chair, Michelle Lim noted the opportunities that are open to the new government:
“The incoming Labor Government has incredible opportunity to create a more inclusive sector which comprises a diverse mix of new entrants, strong independent dynamic challengers as well as established incumbents. Commpete and our members are looking forward to working together with the new Government throughout the next term.”
“We thank the outgoing Government, welcome the new Government and look forward to working with industry in the many exciting changes afoot. Commpete will continue to work with all Government bodies and regulators on both, social and economic policy settings to frame important future reforms by a Labor government,” said Michelle Lim.
Chris Dahl, Director of Sales and Growth, Pin Payments said it’s encouraging to see that the Labor party has placed such emphasis on increasing jobs and building skills through the 465,000 fee-free TAFE places for Australian students studying in industries with a skills shortage.
“Small businesses may see a significant benefit from this, as upskilling employees will become easier and likewise talent will have access to skills programs through TAFE to upskill. The 20,000 extra university places over 2022 and 2023 will also help fill the gap for industries suffering from skill shortages, which will enhance the small business community immensely,” said Dahl
The technology sector is likely to remain high on the list of crucial issues for the government including cyber security matters.
