A new Government strategy will highlight the importance of digital skills in the New England and outline how local businesses can save time and money while delivering better services.

Unveiled by the Liberal-Nationals Government, Australia’s Tech Future, details how Australians can work together to deliver a strong, safe and inclusive economy, ensuring shared benefits from digital technology.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, says the strategy highlights the trillions of dollars in potential economic benefits for Australia, and the social opportunities that digital technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things and quantum computing will bring to benefit locals, particularly farmers, small business operators and retail outlets across the New England.

“Embracing digital technologies will continue to drive Australia’s 27 years of uninterrupted economic growth, improve quality of life and ensure everyone benefits,” Mr Joyce said.

“We’re setting up the next generation of young Australians through initiatives like the Digital Literacy School Grants Program which this year alone, provided nearly $100,000 in Australian Government funding to schools in Armidale, Uralla and Walcha.

“And with digital infrastructure such as the National Broadband Network now more than 91 per cent complete in the New England and an additional 37 new and upgraded mobile phone towers being delivered across the electorate, there is no reason why we can’t achieve all this and more for rural and regional people in our area.”

The report looks at 150 existing programs, policies and strategies that contribute to achieving our vision, and details how Australia can lead the global digital economy.

As new industries are created, for various new products and services, the Government will work to ensure the adoption of new technologies brings even more quality jobs for people in the New England including older industries and all qualifications, as well as improvements in quality of life and increased connectedness.

“The Liberal National Government’s record on job creation speaks for itself – over 300,000 jobs have been created over the last 12 months, most of which are full time,” Mr Joyce said.

“We need to draw on the opportunities from digital technology in the New England and this report identifies key areas to focus on.”

Sectors that could benefit in the New England include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, services, tourism and small business. For the Australian community, this will also bring benefits to health, emergency services, education, transport and digital services.

Australia’s Tech Future was developed with help from businesses, industry groups, the research sector, states and territories and members of the community and is available at www.industry.gov.au/australiastechfuture

(ENDS)