Intro.
While there might not be buzz or widespread attention, Australia is steadily making significant advancements in the interest, prioritisation and integration of blockchain technology.
It demonstrates Australia’s commitment to leveraging distributed ledger technology (DLT) for transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.
Industry has moved the needle and DLT has shifted from emerging, too disruptive to now foundational technology and this should be celebrated.
Australia actively building with blockchain.
I took a preliminary look, but it’s clear that Australian businesses, projects, and stakeholders in Australia are actively building with blockchain.
Here are just a few notable examples.
The NSW Digital Driver’s License leverages Blockchain technology. TrustGrid has been pioneering digital identity solutions with its blockchain-based system. Deployed by the NSW Government, the TrustGrid™ system supports the Digital Licence system, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital credentials for NSW citizens. This solution exemplifies the reliability and effectiveness of blockchain in managing digital identities. The Blockchain based system has been adopted by 80% of NSW residents.
IP Australia is at the forefront, co-leading the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Blockchain Task Force. This initiative is responsible for drafting standards for blockchain use, positioning Australia as a global leader in intellectual property management through blockchain.
Standards Australia is another key player, with its Data and Digital Dashboard initiative. This dashboard profiles eight critical technology areas, including Blockchain, AI, Smart Cities, IoT, Cloud Computing, Data, Cybersecurity, and Quantum. It provides live data on international and Australian standards and the committees involved in their development. These standards ensure the consistency, interoperability, and reliable functioning of emerging technologies, supporting a robust digital economy.
At the 2023 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Awards, Services Australia received a Highly Commended award for their strategic procurement initiative aimed at managing high volumes of uniform waste. Partnering with emerging market entrants, they diverted waste from landfill and maximised material reuse. The service provider employed an innovative method to break down materials from old uniforms, and blockchain technology was used to meticulously track the entire process, showcasing a practical and sustainable application of blockchain.
IBM Australia has renewed its Whole-of-Government Arrangement with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), giving government agencies access to IBM’s wide range of products, many of which incorporate AI and blockchain technology through Hyperledger.
The Australian Government Architecture (AGA) supports digital transformation by integrating blockchain, digital twins, cloud, AI, and IoT. It provides guidance materials to align initiatives with the government’s digital strategy, fostering a cohesive digital ecosystem that promotes innovation and efficiency.
The Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) initiative awarded a $3 million grant to Industrial Property Maintenance Pty Ltd and RMIT. This grant supports developing a solvolysis co-processing treatment for recycling thermoset resins and reinforced fibres in wind turbine blades (WTBs). The project includes establishing a pilot recycling facility and creating a nationwide blockchain database for tracking WTBs, showcasing blockchain’s potential in supporting renewable energy and sustainability efforts.
Additionally,
The Blockchain Pilot Grants program was an initiative designed to demonstrate the potential of blockchain to reduce regulatory compliance burdens for businesses. This program provided funding for pilot projects in the Critical Minerals sector and the Food and Beverage sector. Each pilot project was awarded up to $3 million to develop measures that reduced compliance costs, ensured regulator buy-in, and bolstered blockchain literacy. The Critical Minerals pilot aimed to build supply chain integrity and support the National Ethical Certification Scheme, while the Food and Beverage pilot addressed compliance challenges in excise tax regulations for spirit production.
To sum up.
Despite the lack of widespread media attention, these examples demonstrate that blockchain technology is indeed a priority for Australia.
From setting global standards and enhancing sustainability to revolutionising digital identity and public sector services, Australia’s quiet yet determined approach is paving the way for a future where blockchain plays a critical role in driving efficiency and innovation as a foundational technology across the digital economy.
References:
- 2023 Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Awards
- IBM Australia’s Whole-of-Government Arrangement
- Australian Government Architecture (AGA)
- TrustGrid™ Digital Licence system
- https://www.grants.gov.au/Ga/Show/1042785e-2b6d-405d-8fe2-956be0b3aa82
The Author, Amy-Rose Goodey works as the Chief Operating Officer at Blockchain Australia
https://blockchainaustralia.org/
You can contact the author at:
https://au.linkedin.com/in/amy-rose