The Australian Government has proposed a series of measures to boost the county's scientific and technology credentials

On 5 October 2022, the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources released a proposed National Quantum Strategy setting out a proposed framework for the Australian National Quantum Strategy (Consultation Paper). The government has invited public submissions on the Consultation Paper by 5 November 2022.

What are quantum technologies?

A quantum is the smallest discrete unit of a phenomenon (eg a quantum of electricity is an electron). Quantum theory is the theoretical basis of modern physics that explains the nature and behaviour of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level.

Quantum technologies harness the weird and wonderful world of quantum mechanics, with the potential to deliver significant increases in speed, accuracy and security to current technologies.

This includes:

  • Quantum sensors: New and more precise methods of sensing, which exploit the extreme sensitivity of quantum particles. This can be applied, for example, in medical research and healthcare to enable more sensitive scanning and improve detection of disease.
  • Quantum communications: Faster and more secure communications. For example, quantum key distribution (QKD), which offers cybersecurity benefits by enabling detection of any interferences in the distribution of cryptographic keys. QKD involves sending encrypted data as classical bits over networks, while the keys to decrypt the information are encoded and transmitted in a quantum state using qubits. The fragile quantum state of qubits mean if a hacker tries to interfere with them in transit, they “collapse” to either 1 or 0, leaving a sign of the activity.
  • Quantum computing: New and significantly faster form of computing compared to traditional computing using quantum bits (or qubits) and exploiting quantum phenomena. Potential use cases are extensive, but include the acceleration of machine learning and optimisation, and enhanced modelling of chemical and drug reactions to speed up medical research.

Australian researchers have made significant contributions to the development of quantum technologies and the growth of Australia’s quantum industry. According to CSIRO, quantum technologies are projected to generate over $4 billion in revenue for Australia by 2040. The Australian Government has previously recognised the importance of quantum in Australia’s economic future through its inclusion of quantum in Australia’s Blueprint for Critical Technologies.

The Consultation Paper

The Consultation Paper comes hot on the heels of a recent government issues paper on the National Quantum Strategy, which was followed by a series of roundtables led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, canvassing views on the state of Australia’s quantum industry, the potential benefits and challenges of quantum, and opportunities for growth. The Australian Government also recently announced the creation of a National Quantum Advisory Committee, whose aim is to drive the National Quantum Strategy.

Building on the insights from the issues paper responses and roundtables, the Consultation Paper sets out seven objectives as the proposed framework for Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, along with proposed policy initiatives to support those objectives:

By developing its National Quantum Strategy, Australia looks to join countries such as the United States and China, as well as the European Union, which have developed clear goals around quantum technologies backed by significant investment.