Google in $1 billion commitment to Australia's Digital Future Initiative

Google has announced a $1 billion five-year commitment to launch a Digital Future Initiative in Australia.

This will focus on three areas, including helping build Australia's digital infrastructure, focusing on cloud computing.

Google will also establish its first Australian research hub, with a team of local researchers and entrepreneurs.

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A third chief focus will be the creation of new technology partnerships, including working with the CSIRO to explore clean energy and protect the Great Barrier Reef, and working with Macquarie University for quantum computing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, attending the Google Australia announcement in Sydney this morning, said it was a "$1 billion vote of confidence" in Australia's digital strategy.

"Australia can help lead the world's next wave of innovation, harnessing technology to improve lives, create jobs, and make progress," Google CEO Sundar Pichai said.

Mr Morrison said digital innovation must be matched by digital safety.

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"We need to apply the same rules to the digital world that exist in the real world. And that is a challenge for governments," he said.

"There must be an equal amount of effort into making sure the digital world is safe and secure and trusted."

Mr Morrison said the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated the process of technological change and digital take-up across Australia's workplaces by five years in a matter of months.

"This sector is growing four times faster than the rest of our economy," he said.