Description

Independent senator David Pocock has appealed to local tech companies to have their say on government procurement policy by making a submission to a Senate committee looking at developing sovereign capability in the technology sector. Senator Pocock was instrumental in having the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee open its inquiry into developing sovereign tech capability in this country. Submissions to the inquiry close on Friday February 23, ahead of a series of public hearings. Senator Pocock says one of the issues raised most frequently with his office is the insufficiency of current procurement policy settings to deliver value for money for Australia or foster the development of sovereign capabilities, or to support local technology companies in bringing new products to market.

Summary

Senator David Pocock is advocating for local technology firms to engage with the Australian government on developing sovereign technology capabilities. As a pivotal figure in initiating a Senate inquiry into sovereign tech capabilities, his appeal underscores the challenges in existing procurement policies that fail to promote local tech advancements or value creation for Australia. The inquiry, aimed at reshaping procurement to better support domestic innovation, holds significant implications for Australia's tech sector development and its potential contribution to mitigating existential AI risks by strengthening national technological infrastructure. Senator Pocock's efforts highlight the importance of policy in reinforcing national advancements in technology and AI governance frameworks.

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