The Australian Government today signed a Joint Statement with the United Kingdom to advance cooperation in the field of quantum technology.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Rt Hon Michelle Donelan signed the Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Technologies, during the AI Safety Summit in held at Bletchley Park.
The arrangement will open channels for more investment between UK and Australian companies, facilitate research exchanges and increase the sharing of expertise between the two countries.
This will help accelerate the development of quantum technologies such as faster computer processing and more precise and accurate sensors. Over the coming years, these technologies will transform how we're able to process information to improve areas like logistics, navigation through to the design of new pharmaceuticals.
The Joint Statement reaffirms the strong technology relationship between Australia and the UK, and supports joint activities under the Australia-UK Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership and the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement. It also delivers on the international actions identified in the Australian Government's National Quantum Strategy.
The text of the Joint Statement can be found here.
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:
"On the grounds of Bletchley Park - considered the birthplace of modern computing and where Alan Turing envisioned a future for artificial intelligence, Australia and the UK have signalled their joint determination to shape the next frontier in technology development: quantum.
"Like AI, quantum will profoundly change our world, meaning international collaboration is essential.
"Australia is a global leader in quantum technologies. This Joint Statement reaffirms our global leadership and builds an important link to the UK to boost our collaboration and lift investment.
"The UK is Australia's second biggest quantum collaborator after the United States, and we have a long history of collaborating on technology.
"I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits for both nations in the years ahead."
