This Month
Not a contest of ‘aggro’: PM schools Dutton as Trump’s tariff day looms
Peter Dutton said he’ll fight, and Anthony Albanese said that’s not how diplomacy works. While they traded barbs, Industry Minister Ed Husic made a pre-emptive tariff move.
March
Labor bets $15m on using quantum technology to fight cyberattacks
The government’s National Reconstruction Fund is the lead investor in a funding round for Canberra-based QuintessenceLabs, which is also backed by Westpac.
February
Dutton hints at privatising nuclear – one day
Opposition leader says there is a difference between governments building nuclear power plants and buying into the Whyalla steelworks
PsiQuantum confident it has the fastest track in quantum race
Government-backed PsiQuantum powers ahead with plans to build a data centre-sized quantum computer, as Queensland treasurer reviews investment in the company.
Labor open to equity stake in Whyalla steelworks
Part government ownership of the Whyalla steelworks is one option not being ruled out to help lure a buyer.
Labor prepares rescue plan after Gupta’s Whyalla steelworks collapses
The massive South Australian manufacturing operation is being run by KordaMentha, with the federal and state governments signing off on a major support package.
Aussie firm sets March date for rocket launch
Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies, which represents Australia’s best chance to rival SpaceX, has cleared its final regulatory hurdle.
Labor is throwing money at quantum but drowning AI in regulation
The unanswered question is how can any country effectively regulate a fast-changing emergent technology and expect to be competitive in the global digital economy.
‘National emergency’ as Australia falls $25b short in R&D
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm and Industry Minister Ed Husic say Australia risks falling behind unless big business spends more on inventing new products and ideas.
January
Is big tech’s AI future really what we’re looking for?
The race is on to build the fastest, most efficient AI models and hopefully tech companies will start developing the products we want to use.
Husic bets big on making Australian manufacturing great
The Labor MP from Sydney’s inner-west thinks concern over climate change and the risk of global conflict will win out over traditional market fundamentals.
Labor pledges $32m to keep Young Rich List AI firm in Australia
The investment comes a day after $1 trillion was wiped off US tech giant Nvidia’s value on concern over Chinese start-up DeepSeek’s cheaper rival to ChatGPT.
DeepSeek poses security risk like Huawei and TikTok, Labor warned
National security analysts are urging the Albanese government to implement stringent security controls of the use of Chinese-developed artificial intelligence.
Move fast on AI boom, new chief scientist tells Labor
Professor Tony Haymet says Australia is perfectly positioned to ride the artificial intelligence boom, pledging to carefully monitory all new sources of energy.
Husic blocks controversial NSW offshore gas drilling
The minister’s decision on the contentious drilling project known as PEP-11 comes as south-east Australia is facing the risk of gas shortages in the next few years.
Labor boosts backing of Rinehart-backed Arafura to $1b
In its biggest outlay to date, the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund has agreed to take a $200 million equity stake in the rare earths player.
December 2024
Chief scientist Cathy Foley despairs for an impatient society
The federal government’s top scientific adviser, whose term finishes at Christmas, says Australia needs to rethink its approach to research and innovation.
Husic chases Australian edge in AI, industry says faster pace needed
Industry Minister Ed Husic will announce a National AI Capability Plan in Singapore on Monday where he is signing a memorandum of understanding on AI co-operation.
Labor’s manufacturing fund takes stake in quantum tech company
The National Reconstruction Fund has taken a $13 million stake in Quantum Brilliance, which aims to build an Australian-first facility to make diamonds used in quantum computers.
Time to reverse the R&D slide
I encourage everyone with an interest in our long-term prosperity to engage with the review of the system so we get the best possible recommendations.