Science & Technology Australia (STA) welcomes the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence's recommendation that the Australian Government continue investing directly in public research computing through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
The recommendation, contained in the Committee's early advice to the Prime Minister, recognises that Australia's research computing needs extend beyond what commercial AI training data centres can provide.
STA CEO Ryan Winn said public research infrastructure and workforce skills are essential to Australia's ability to benefit from AI.
"Public research computing powers discoveries across Australian science, from developing new medicines to understanding our climate," Mr Winn said.
"We welcome the Committee's clear recognition of STA's advice that Government must continue investing in this capability through NCRIS. Australia's AI ambitions depend on researchers having access to the computing power and expert support they need."
NCRIS supports the National Computational Infrastructure and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, which provide computing capacity and specialised technical support through allocation based on research merit, at no cost to researchers.
STA's submissions to the Committee and the Government's consultation on AI infrastructure called for sustained public investment in these capabilities, alongside contributions from commercial providers.
"Industry contributions can expand the computing capacity available to researchers, but they must complement - not replace - public investment," Mr Winn said.
"Our national research facilities support work that commercial systems cannot always accommodate, especially in unique architecture and colocation with enormous research datasets. Secure funding over the long term is essential to keep that capability available and meet growing demand. This is also an important consideration for the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which is currently out for sector consultation."
STA also welcomes the Committee's recommendation that a share of computing capacity from AI labs operating in Australia be reserved for national priorities, including university research.
"Reserving computing capacity for Australian research will deliver substantial public benefit," Mr Winn said.
"To make that access effective, researchers need reliable capacity, appropriate data protections and specialised technical support, allocated through the existing nationally coordinated access system based on research merit."
Other recommendations aligning with STA's advocacy include support for Australian AI research and development, stronger technical skills and AI literacy, proportionate safeguards, and nationally consistent data centre standards covering resource use and community input.
"Building sovereign AI capability requires sustained investment in Australian researchers, research institutions, infrastructure and STEM skills," Mr Winn said.
"The Committee's recommendations provide a welcome foundation. We urge the Government to translate them into practical commitments that strengthen Australia's research system and its capacity to develop, use and govern AI."
