Australia has unveiled its 2026 Intergenerational Report, outlining a 40-year economic strategy centered on artificial intelligence. Treasurer Jim Chalmers projects the national economy will more than double by the mid-2060s, with AI serving as the primary growth driver.
Economic models suggest AI could contribute between AUD 95 billion and AUD 116 billion to the GDP by 2036, representing a 2.6% to 3.2% increase in output. The government expects the integration of these technologies to create between 36,000 and 44,000 new jobs within the same period.
Current government funding for AI initiatives, including infrastructure and skills training, exceeds AUD 460 million. Furthermore, the pipeline for data center investments is estimated to reach approximately AUD 150 billion by 2030, involving hardware, cloud, energy, and construction sectors.
The 2025-2026 National AI Plan supports these goals through three pillars: infrastructure development, workforce training, and risk management. The report also anticipates a shift toward cleaner energy, a reduction in government debt, and demographic changes, including increased life expectancy.
