The Australian Government released its first National Quantum Strategy on May 3, 2023, through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The strategy set a vision for Australia to be “recognised as a leader of the global quantum industry” by 2030 and contained five themes with 13 actions to be completed over seven years.
Priorities included investing in research and commercialization, securing quantum infrastructure and materials, growing a skilled workforce, supporting national interests, and promoting a trusted and inclusive ecosystem. The strategy identified the AU$15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, with AU$1 billion allocated for critical technologies including quantum, as a key investment pipeline.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and Chief Scientist Dr. Cathy Foley led the launch. Foley noted that Australia had been “at the forefront of quantum science and technology for more than two decades.” CSIRO projected the quantum industry could be worth AU$4.6 billion by the end of the decade.