ACS welcomes Budget focus on AI capability and skills development

Investment in AI capability and greater skills recognition will help build Australia's trusted technology workforce.

12 May 2026

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia's technology sector, supports the Federal Government's 2026 Budget measures to strengthen national AI capability and support skills development.

ACS welcomes the Government's $70 million AI Accelerator grants and measures to support greater use of AI in government, recognising the importance of responsible AI adoption to Australia's digital economy.

ACS President Beau Tydd said: "AI continues to reshape roles, capability needs, and career pathways across the technology workforce.

"Building AI capability has enormous potential to lift productivity, strengthen the economy, and improve how government and industry deliver services. It is also essential to manage the risks that come with AI adoption, from governance and accountability to workforce readiness and public trust.

"ACS supports lifelong learning across the technology workforce and is ready to support this agenda through our skills assessment expertise, professional standards, certification pathways and workforce insights."

ACS also welcomes the Government's move to strengthen Australia's skills attainment and recognition systems.

Mr Tydd added: "Australia will need 1.3 million tech workers by 2030, requiring around 60,000 additional technology workers each year to meet national demand.

"Greater transparency and accountability will help build confidence in skills recognition and support clearer pathways into areas of technology workforce demand."

Further information

Troy Steer

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

M - 0417 173 740

E - [email protected]

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia's technology sector, representing over 40,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.

ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.

Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation's highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.