Shows

Tech Council calls for bold tech investment to boost Australia’s productivity

Published

5 months ago

November 12, 2024

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has issued a call for an ambitious national tech investment target to address Australia’s lagging productivity growth.

The TCA’s latest report, *From Research to Reality: Scaling Tech Investment in Australia*, released today at their National Summit, argues that increasing tech investment could unlock substantial productivity gains and improve economic resilience.

According to the report, raising Australia’s tech investment to 4.6% of GDP could yield an additional $38 billion in GDP by 2035.

Reaching a 6.9% investment level could generate a remarkable $167 billion in productivity growth. This investment includes research and development (R&D) and broader technology adoption, essential to countering Australia’s declining productivity.

TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi explained the urgency of setting a tech investment target for 2035, calling on both government and industry to commit to a shared goal.

“Australians enjoy some of the highest living standards in the world. To ensure we can keep growing, we need to see an uplift in productivity growth,” he said.

“Australia’s productivity growth has been declining for some time, which is one of our most pressing economic challenges. Achieving the level of growth we need to turn this around and see our economy thrive requires greater tech development and adoption.”

“Tech investment enables companies to commercialise their research and create new business models, making our economy more productive and resilient. There are also practical benefits to increased tech adoption, which can accelerate the growth of both small and large businesses.”

Need to tech industry

“The results of this report show how vital tech investment is to our economy and the need for the tech industry, the wider business community and government to work together to create an environment that supports tech innovation and adoption,” said Laura Malcolm, Managing Director for Datacom Australia, a key sponsor of the report.

“The work we’re doing with our customers in the areas of AI, cloud and digital engineering clearly highlights how the smart use of technology can transform operations and performance, so it is critical that tech investment in Australia keeps pace with our global competitors. We’re also very supportive of the report’s recommendations around education focused on technology adoption and managing technology risk.”

With tech investment currently at 3.9% of GDP and projected to fall further, the TCA recommends five key policy changes, including refining tech policies and boosting R&D investment from global firms.

The TCA will work with stakeholders to finalise a concrete target, reinforcing its mission to grow Australia’s tech sector and drive economic progress.

Leaders

David Wenham discusses new film ‘Spit’, success, and AI

David Wenham discusses his film ‘Spit,’ acting journey, success, and AI’s industry impact in candid interview with Penny Lane.

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Aussie star David Wenham discusses his new film ‘Spit,’ acting journey, success, and AI’s industry impact.

In Short

In a recent interview, actor David Wenham discussed his film ‘Spit,’ the sequel to the cult film ‘Gettin Square’. He also shared thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence in the film industry, providing valuable insights for both aspiring and established actors.

He reflected on his journey into acting and the various influences that shaped his career.

David believes that success is not solely defined by awards or financial achievements but rather by creative satisfaction.

He detailed how he measures success beyond traditional metrics, focusing on the fulfilment that comes from his work.

We also discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the film industry and its implications for actors and filmmakers.

As the industry continues to change, David’s perspectives offer valuable insights for aspiring actors and industry veterans alike.

The interplay between personal fulfilment and external recognition was a central theme in our discussion.

David’s approach stands as a reminder of the importance of passion in pursuing a career in acting.

Ultimately, the conversation sheds light on the challenges and rewards of a career in film while acknowledging the shifts brought on by technology.

The discussion is hosted by Penny Lane, CEO of The Perfect Cosmetics Company.

Crypto

The future of crypto in Australia could be decided at the ballot box

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Will new Australian policies unlock blockchain’s potential or shut it down?

With the 2025 federal election looming, political parties remain divided on their approach to digital assets and blockchain regulation. Policies on taxation, licensing, and consumer protection will shape Australia’s blockchain future, influencing innovation and investment.

In conversation with Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets, Amy-Rose Goodey, CEO of the Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA), highlights the importance of clear regulations to foster growth while protecting consumers. Her Who Supports Crypto campaign showcases strong public and industry backing for digital assets and urges policymakers to act. The election outcome could determine whether Australia embraces crypto or falls behind in the global digital economy.

Shows

Why cybersecurity training often fails to change real behaviour

Despite extensive cyber training, companies often prioritise compliance over actual behaviour change, leaving them vulnerable to security threats.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Despite extensive cyber training, companies often prioritise compliance over actual behaviour change, leaving them vulnerable to security threats.

Many companies invest in cybersecurity training but focus too much on compliance rather than real behaviour change. This leaves organisations vulnerable to cyber threats, as employees may check boxes without truly improving security practices.

In this episode of Ticker Clicks, cyber security expert Jacqueline Jayne highlights the need for a culture of security, where training is engaging, practical, and directly relevant to daily tasks. Superficial programs fail to address real risks, making a deeper commitment to behavioural change essential.

To strengthen defences, businesses must prioritise interactive, meaningful training that encourages proactive security habits. True protection comes not from meeting requirements but from fostering genuine awareness and action against cyber threats.