This year’s Federal budget announcement is set to position Australian businesses at the forefront of the digital resurgence, with almost $1.2 billion promised to improve our capacity through the Digital economy strategy. Many businesses have welcomed the $12.7 million earmarked expansion of the Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Service which will enable greater digital adaption for business.
Women in STEM are also a focal point of this budget with $42.4 million over seven years going to support more women to pursue higher level STEM qualifications, a crucial step in the formation of pathways for girls and women to gain the necessary skills for the jobs of the future. Also the successful Women’s Leadership and Development Program is being expanded by $38.3 million over five years. This program funds innovative projects which assist women into leadership roles and improves overall outcomes for Australian women.
The drones sector is set to take off with $35.7 million to establish the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program including a Drone Rule Management System and Drone Detection Network, as well as offer grants to support the use of these technologies to address priority needs in regional Australia. The recent release of the National Emerging Aviation Technologies policy statement as part of the Digital Economy Strategy will see the sector take flight in 2021-22.
For more on the Budget, go to the Australian Government's Budget 2021-22 website.