One small step for Queensland, one quantum leap for the state's students.
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Quantum skills will be taught to Queensland students under a new strategy unveiled by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday, embracing a "new frontier".
Ms Palaszczuk launched the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy (QQATS), backed by $76 million, at her annual State of the State address.
Under the strategy, "quantum skills" will be introduced to schools and TAFEs by establishing a Queensland Quantum Academy in partnership with the government, industry and universities.
"It's not enough to only provide the skills for existing technologies," Ms Palaszczuk told a packed Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"We need to provide the skills in schools to create the technologies for a better Queensland future - to develop quantum skills."
The premier said quantum skills could deliver new technologies to improve renewable energy efficiency, direct air capture to reverse climate change and advanced computing.
Ms Palaszczuk said they could also deliver new space technologies, sports tech including treatment of concussions and sensors to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's or find critical minerals to unlock the next mining boom.
"We want to provide Queenslanders not just with the opportunity to have the best-paying jobs but to have careers that will change the world," she said.
"Jobs where our young people can achieve their dreams and make a positive difference."
Ms Palaszczuk said the strategy would invest $76 million to support the commercialisation of advanced research in quantum tech.
The bulk of the funding is for technology development in partnership with universities and the up-scaling of quantum technologies in fabrication infrastructure, which will both receive $20 million.
Another $10 million will go to developing biomedical technologies and renewable energy technologies to make them more efficient and cheaper.
Ms Palaszczuk outlined the government's bold 10-year energy and jobs plan at last year's State of the State address.
With large-scale renewable infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the government's focus has now shifted to ushering in a new age of technology in Queensland.
It includes a $250 million spend on improved internet infrastructure in key parts of the state to create the largest publicly owned regional fibre optic network in Australia.
Ms Palaszczuk said the investment would bridge a previous digital divide between metropolitan areas and the country.
"Good digital connectivity keeps jobs and businesses in the regions," she said.
The premier said she hoped Queensland would be at the forefront of technological advancement and generate 50,000 jobs in the next 22 years.
"The (QQATS) strategy will build on the new quantum and advanced technologies industry that is already developing in Queensland," she said.
"This is not a futuristic dream."
Australian Associated Press
