FOREWORD Australia’s future prosperity depends on the policy environment created now to help boost productivity, increase access to secure infrastructure, support emerging industries and technologies, and ensure fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks are in place. Over the last 18 months we have seen a rapid uptake of digital technologies across our society. It has helped businesses to stay afloat, grow and create new jobs, and it has helped people continue to live their daily lives in new and different ways. As we emerge from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a thriving digital economy is critical to Australia’s overall economic recovery. Many countries are investing in their digital futures and we must too if we are to ensure Australian businesses remain globally competitive and that Australia retains its position of influence as a global leader. Senator the Hon Jane Hume Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy Minister for Women’s Economic Security We are not starting from scratch. Australia has strong foundations to support a growing digital economy. We are early adopters of technology, we are known for our robust regulatory systems and we are a democratic society. The Australian Government is ambitious about Australia’s digital future. Our goal is for Australia to be a world-leading digital economy and society by 2030. What does that look like? In summary, it means thriving high growth industries, all businesses are digital businesses, all Australians have access to digital skills and technology, there is frictionless government service delivery, fitfor-purpose regulation builds trust, and we have integrated data and technologies that make life easier. The Digital Economy Strategy outlines a cohesive roadmap – encompassing initiatives already underway, investments we are making now to take us forward, and areas to be considered to help us identify opportunities into the future. The focus is on getting the foundations right, building capability in emerging technologies and lifting our ambition through digital growth priorities. This is a living strategy. We will continue to track progress towards our 2030 vision and adjust course as we need to, to ensure we are successful in reaching our ambition. 1