Tech Council of Australia Calls for Greater AI Consultation Between Government and Industry
Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 12 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 11 Feb 2026, 06:15 pm
Description
Australia’s peak tech industry body says the government must work more with industry to prepare for the impacts of AI on the workforce and productivity.
Summary
The Tech Council of Australia emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between the Australian government and the tech industry to prepare for AI's transformative impact on the workforce and productivity. Lucinda Longcroft, the council's director of policy and government affairs, highlights the necessity for regulatory clarity to encourage investments in AI infrastructure, including data centers. The article reveals that a mere 7% of tech leaders feel Australia is ready to meet future AI demands, illuminating a significant gap in readiness. By focusing on the national context of AI preparedness, the piece provides insights into Australian policy and industry dynamics relevant to AI governance and safety.
Body
TechnologyAIPrint articlePaul SmithTechnology editorFeb 12, 2026 – 5.00amAustralia’s peak technology industry body has called for greater consultation between government and industry about the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, as its new research found industry leaders believe Australia is ill-prepared to take advantage of the benefits of the technology.The Tech Council of Australia’s director of policy and government affairs Lucinda Longcroft said tech industry giants needed fewer roadblocks and greater regulatory clarity to invest in more AI infrastructure, like data centres in Australia. The survey found that just 7 per cent of tech leaders think Australia is well-prepared to meet future AI demands.Loading...Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy. Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreAIProductivityInnovationScott FarquharBill GatesAnthropicAtlassianMicrosoftCanvaOpenAIJobsFetching latest articles