Australian tax cuts endorsed to boost tech sector talent

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has endorsed the Federal Government's budget announcement which introduces tax cuts for professionals in the technology sector.

The tax relief measures are part of the 2025–26 Budget and aim to ease the financial burden on IT specialists, software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and other professionals contributing to Australia's digital economy. These cuts are designed to make Australia a more attractive destination for top global tech talent.

Josh Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of ACS, expressed approval of the initiative. "ACS welcomes these tax cuts as a positive step towards retaining and attracting the world-class technology talent that Australia needs. As the Australian digital economy grows, ensuring ICT professionals are fairly supported financially is critical. These measures will enable tech professionals to invest more in their careers, upskill, and contribute to Australia's growing technology sector," he remarked.

However, Griggs also voiced concerns about the nation's preparation to leverage artificial intelligence for economic advancement. "We would like to see greater government investment and incentives for the private sector that would see increased funding for developing skills, investing in local data centres, boosting AI sovereignty, and bolstering Australia's cyber security readiness, particularly in the small to medium enterprise sector," he added.

Helen McHugh, President of ACS, highlighted the value of financial incentives for the technology workforce, stating: "Our technology industry is a cornerstone of Australia's economic future, and these tax reforms will ensure that our skilled professionals remain competitive in an increasingly globalised workforce. However, we encourage the Government to continue investing in STEM education, diversity, digital innovation, and infrastructure to complement these tax benefits so we can reap the benefits of this era of rapid change."

ACS has affirmed its commitment to supporting technology professionals across Australia and is keen to collaborate with the Government in driving policies that encourage digital growth and innovation. The organisation also intends to focus on developing initiatives to reinforce the nation's capabilities in skills development, cybersecurity funding, and digital infrastructure investment.