Google invests nearly $1 billion in Australia’s digital infrastructure

Google says an economic analysis shows the investment will support more than 6,000 new direct jobs across Australia.

“Australia can help lead the world’s next wave of innovation, harnessing technology to improve lives, create jobs and progress,” said Pichai, adding that the investment would pay off. of technology for more Australians.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who spoke at an event marking the announcement, said Google’s investment was a vote of confidence in Australia’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, his centre-right government released a digital economy strategy outlining a plan to develop Australia into a leading digital economy by 2030.

Google first established a presence in Australia in 2002, and its popular Google Maps platform has been developed in the country. However, the relationship between major US technology companies and the Australian government has become strained in recent times. Earlier this year, Australian lawmakers passed a law that came into effect requiring major tech companies, including Google and Meta Platforms Inc.
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But on Tuesday, Morrison, who is expected to face an election next year, said Google has been an effective partner on a variety of issues, such as online safety, deal with extremist content and media-news competition.

“We sat down, we worked through them and I think we’ve got the right results for both Australians and for the future of technology that we both want to embrace,” Morrison said. catch. “The fact that Google has decided to invest the way they have, I think that partnership has been signed.”

Relations between the US and Australia have deepened in recent months, with the US agreeing to help develop a nuclear submarine capability for Australia as part of a tripartite security partnership in India. Ocean – Pacific Ocean, including the UK.

Mike Goldman, in charge of the US embassy in the Australian capital, Canberra, said at Tuesday’s event that the deepening relationship involves widespread sharing of technology, not just focus on technology. defense but also technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. applied to economic growth and prosperity.

“We are proud to be Australia’s partners and we are proud to learn from Australia,” he said. “It’s not just a one-way transfer. We are taking advantage of every little bit of our partnership with Australia as we are dedicated. ”