The Federal Budget 2021-22: Technology wins Technology goodies inside this year's Budget Credit: Victor Diola Jr Dreamstime The 2021-22 Federal Budget has been released and it has a big technology focus, with the Government pledging nearly AU$1 billion as part of its Digital Economy Strategy. This funding includes spending for Artificial Intelligence (AI), the improvement of Australia’s digital connectivity, and for the development of digital skills for workers, to allow Australia to better compete with the rest of the world in key areas of the digital economy. Boost to the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan To boost the development of AI in business and to break down barriers to the AI industry, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $124.1 million in funding for AI as part of the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. Approximately $53.8 million of these funds will go towards setting up a National Artificial Intelligence Centre over the next four years, that will help businesses to develop what the Government hopes will be globally competitive AI products and services.