The Australian Authorities has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with tech big Microsoft

This is the second association below the National AI Plan to assist strengthen our nationwide AI capabilities and guarantee accountable, revolutionary AI growth. 

The National AI Plan units out the federal government’s ambition to seize the alternatives of AI, unfold the advantages and maintain Australians protected. 

One of the commitments below that plan is to enter collaborative preparations with main AI and tech firms to construct Australia’s AI capabilities.

These preparations will encourage accountable growth of AI, entice funding, and enhance security. They are high-level, non-legally-binding preparations that set expectations aligned with Australia’s nationwide curiosity. They sign the federal government’s intent to collaborate with business leaders, construct relationships and progress actions below the plan.

The authorities is open to exploring related preparations with different main AI and expertise firms. 

About Microsoft

Microsoft is a worldwide chief in digital infrastructure and AI-enabled instruments that Australians use day-after-day at work and at residence. Collaborating with Microsoft helps supply of the National AI Plan by strengthening Australia’s AI functionality, security and safety settings, and home ecosystem.

• In 2023, Microsoft introduced an funding of $5 billion over 2 years to develop its information centre footprint in Australia from 20 to 29 websites, rising nationwide compute capability. It has additionally partnered with Australian organisations to spice up digital abilities by the Microsoft Datacentre Academy.
• The authorities welcomes additional alternative to work with Microsoft to assist Australia seize the alternatives of AI, unfold the advantages and maintain Australians protected.

The MoU outlines that Microsoft intends to:

• proceed funding in Australian AI functionality and cloud computing
• align with the federal government’s Expectations for information centres and AI infrastructure builders
• assist the federal government perceive future infrastructure must assist Australia as a trusted regional hub
• collaborate with authorities on AI security and workforce functionality
• assist supply of the APS AI Plan and discover future APS collaboration.