Critical Technologies for Australia – Agriculture & Health Sectors

The Australian Government, through the Critical Technologies Policy Coordination Office (CTPCO), is undertaking consultation on the future of critical technologies in the Australian agriculture and health sectors. Critical technologies are current and emerging technologies with the capacity to significantly enhance or pose risk to Australia’s national interest, including our economic prosperity, social cohesion and national security. The CTPCO provides coordinated, whole-of-government advice on technology developments, opportunities and risks, and to recommend actions to promote and protect critical technologies.

The CTPCO is preparing analysis on the impact of critical technologies in key sectors, starting with the agriculture and health sectors. We have also identified biotechnology and photonics as specific critical technologies for further exploration through deep dives. Analysis of other sectors and specific critical technologies will occur later in 2021.

To gain insight from interested stakeholders, the CTPCO has released two discussion papers on the PM&C website for consultation. Stakeholders are invited to participate in the consultation by responding to questions within the discussion papers via the Stakeholder Consultation Survey or written submission to ContactCTPCO@pmc.gov.au. Consultation is now open and will close on Friday 9 April 2021.