Quantum of ScoMo: Tech needed to protect the nation

The Prime Minister is set to unveil a multimillion-dollar package to fast-track quantum research which can be used to thwart advanced cyber attacks against Australia’s critical infrastructure, as he admits the nation’s internet needs rapid development.

Australia needs to rapidly develop cutting edge technologies in critical mineral extraction, 6G internet and quantum computing to protect itself as challenges grow in our region.

As China becomes increasingly assertive, Mr Morrison will declare the nation’s security and prosperity depends on “being part of the technological revolution”.

There is a global race to develop quantum computing technologies, which have the potential to crack even the toughest encryptions in seconds.

“We want technology to protect our citizens’ autonomy, privacy and data. But not all governments see technology the same way,” Mr Morrison will say at a major national security conference on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make a major security speech on Wednesday. Picture: Google

“The simple fact is that nations at the leading edge of technology have greater economic, political and military power.

“Nowhere is this more powerfully illustrated than in the Indo-Pacific region – the world’s strategic centre of gravity”.

He will announce $70 million for a hub to fast-track quantum research, which can be used to thwart advanced cyber attacks against Australia’s critical infrastructure like water and power supplies, as well as hospitals and financial sectors.

Australia will work with other like-minded countries to develop 63 “critical technologies”, initially focused in nine key areas.

These will include critical mineral extraction, 6G internet, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, novel antibiotics, low-emissions fuels, genetic engineering and drones.

There will be greater sharing of defence and cyber resilience technologies with key security alliances Australia has, including AUKUS with the UK and US, as well as the Quad with Japan, India and the US.

“Australia, like the United States, is committed to playing our part so that rules and norms around technology reflect the values of our open societies,” Mr Morrison will say.

He will refer to a comment by US President Joe Biden that the world is entering a new era of technologies which have the potential to reshape human existence.

“It’s up to all of us to determine whether these technologies are a force to empower people or to deepen repression,” Mr Morrison will say.

Tensions have been rising between Australia and China. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Mr Morrison said Australia would deepen technology partnerships with the Quad, including “bolstering critical infrastructure resilience against cyber threats”.

He will also stress that AUKUS is more than just nuclear submarines, but securing better technology sharing and supply chains.

“The real potential of AUKUS lies in how the new grouping can be leveraged in the long term to help Australia deal with the profound technological disruption about to sweep the world,” he will say.