He also mentioned the opening of Google’s first research hub in Australia, as well as a collaboration with Australia’s national science agency.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., said that it would invest $1 billion (US$730 million) in Australian infrastructure, research, and partnerships over the next five years, marking the company’s single-largest investment in the country.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, stated that the investment will aid in the development of Australia’s digital infrastructure, with a focus on cloud computing. He also mentioned the opening of Google’s first research hub in Australia, as well as a collaboration with Australia’s national science agency.
According to Google, the investment will support more than 6,000 new direct employment across Australia, based on an economic analysis.
Mr. Pichai stated, “Australia can help lead the world’s next wave of innovation, using technology to improve lives, create employment, and make progress,” adding that the investment will allow more Australians to benefit from technology.
At a press conference to commemorate the announcement, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Google’s investment represents a vote of confidence in the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.
His center-right administration unveiled a digital-economy strategy earlier this year, outlining plans to transform Australia into a world leader in the digital economy by 2030.
In 2002, Google established a foothold in Australia, and the popular Google Maps platform was created there. However, relations between major American internet companies and the Australian government have recently become tense. Earlier this year, Australian lawmakers passed a bill mandating big digital companies to pay news publishers for material, including Google and Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook.
Mr. Morrison, who is poised to be re-elected next year, said on Tuesday that Google had been a helpful partner on a variety of problems, including internet safety, dealing with extremist content, and news-media competition.
