Why is Google investing AU$1 billion in Australia?
Google, who has had a strained relationship with Australia in most of 2021, with the Silicon Valley giant at one point threatenening to pull Google Search from the country. A much more appeasing approach was struck on Tuesday morning in Australia, when Google announced it was investing $740 million (AU$1 billion) in Australia’s digital infrastructure over the next five years.
Google says the money will be used to build a research hub, increase its cloud computing capacity and fund partnerships with local organisations. The move, named the Digital Future Initiative, is expected to directly create 6,000 jobs and support 28,000 overall.
“Australia can help lead the world’s next wave of innovation, harnessing technology to improve lives, create jobs, and make progress,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at the initiative’s launch in Sydney.
Google also plans to team up with an Australian government agency on scientific research, which will include projects on clean energy and protection of the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, the firm will partner with a local university on quantum computing.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who also appeared at the announcement, said the AU$1 billion was a vote of confidence for ensuring the national security of Australia and its allies.
