The Albanese government has released a new digital strategy and road map that recognizes the critical role of information and communications technologies in advancing Australia’s defense and modern warfighting capability and achieving an integrated force.
The 2024 defense digital road map identifies artificial intelligence, hyperscalers and productivity platforms as priority ICT capabilities. It highlights how investments in enterprise data, digital platforms and networks will strengthen security, resilience and interoperability and improve data sharing abilities. The government will deliver the priority capabilities using its planned $11 billion investment in enterprise data and ICT over 10 years through the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
Meanwhile, the defense digital strategy highlights the need to work with industry and academia in three priority areas:
- expanding and uplifting the Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service to become a best-in-class workforce and reduce reliance on contractors,
- leveraging the power of leading global platforms, and
- ensuring supply chain resilience.