Google Australia has launched the Digital Future Initiative – a $1 billion investment in Australian infrastructure, research and partnerships that aims to strengthen local capabilities, support jobs and help build Australia’s digital economy for the future.
The Digital Future Initiative was launched by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Mel Silva, and Chargé d’Affaires Michael Goldman from the US Embassy at the opening of Google’s expanded Sydney office.
- The initiative builds on Google’s work in Australia over the last two decades by investing in:
- The foundations of the digital economy including a major investment in digital infrastructure
- Australian-made technology and talent with a first ever Australian Google research hub
- Partnerships to solve big challenges including a collaboration with the CSIRO
“The Digital Future Initiative is about bringing significant technology resources and capabilities to Australia, investing in the infrastructure that benefits people and businesses, and helping the best talent thrive here,” Ms Silva said. “A strong digital future creates opportunities, improves the everyday and enables the extraordinary – and we’d love to help Australia and Australians make the most of the opportunity and build for tomorrow.” Said Mel Silva, Google Australia MD.
Analysis by economist Henry Ergas AO and Green Square Associates has found that Google’s Digital Future Initiative will support 6,529 new direct jobs and 28,057 total jobs across Australia and deliver $1.259 billion in direct investment and $6.716 billion in total economic impact.
The company has also announced the launch of Google Research Australia – its first ever research hub here in Australia.
Google will also expand on its Australian collaborations, starting with a multi-million partnership with the CSIRO. Additionally, a partnership with Macquarie University will see Google deepen its investment in quantum computing in Australia.
Google also launched its expanded Sydney office, in Pyrmont – Google Australia’s third Sydney office. The expansion has seen the creation of 550 new desks and an auditorium and space for national and international industry events. The company has also submitted a development application for a fourth Sydney office, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.
