Policy priorities for South Australia ahead of the 2026 state election
The future prosperity of South Australia requires technology and innovation to grow new industries and move towards the evolution and decarbonisation of existing ones.
The future prosperity of South Australia requires technology and innovation to grow new industries and move towards the evolution and decarbonisation of existing ones. The South Australian tech, industry and research sector has a clear opportunity for economic growth while addressing climate change and other key issues through the development of emerging technologies.
Informed by the expertise of its Fellows – particularly those from our South Australia and Northern Territory Division – ATSE has provided candidates in the upcoming March 2026 South Australia state election with a brief outlining 10 priority areas for growing new industries and building a future economy.
ATSE's plan for South Australia focuses on three key elements:
- Building a resilient South Australia by focusing on key domains of interest for the state: electricity security, cybersecurity, sovereign digital capabilities, fertilisers for agriculture, water resource management and algal bloom response.
- Boosting the South Australian economy by supporting practical pathways to green hydrogen development and investigating the viability of nuclear waste management.
- Growing South Australia's STEM-skilled workforce by enabling more hands-on learning in schools through teacher support and improved facilities, and investing in expanding programs like ATSE's Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM scholarship program to support women and non-binary people to engage in STEM education.
