Australia's first tech policy think tank TPDi launched

The Tech Policy Design Institute (TPDi) has been launched as Australia's first independent think tank focused on technology policy, aiming to influence tech regulation in Australia.

TPDi has been established by Johanna Weaver, Zoe Jay Hawkins, and Sunita Kumar with the aim to guide technology use for the benefit of humanity through independent research, education, public commentary, and community building.

The formation of TPDi is deemed timely given the ongoing deliberations in Australia concerning regulation of artificial intelligence, privacy, and accountability of digital platforms, especially amidst growing global tech competition and geostrategic tensions.

Johanna Weaver, TPDi CEO and Co-Founder noted that the institute fills a significant gap in the country by offering an independent and well-informed perspective that incorporates societal, security, economic, and environmental views on technology. "Young people's use of social media, digital identity, cyber security, and technology's impact on democracy, are just some of the tech policy issues on the national agenda in 2025," said Weaver.

A new funding instrument, the TPDi Tech Policy Design Fund, supports the institute's operations by welcoming contributions from government, industry, philanthropy, and charitable sectors. It lists founding members such as the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Department of Finance, Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Atlassian, the Australian Computer Society, Microsoft, and Salesforce.

Weaver added, "TPDi embraces a multi-stakeholder funding model, drawing support from government, industry, philanthropy, and charitable sectors. This approach safeguards our independence by preventing capture by any single group. It allows us to critically engage with all stakeholders, harnessing diverse expertise to co-design practical policy solutions that deliver better outcomes for Australia."

TPDi's board includes notable figures such as Kate Pounder, Dr Tobias Feakin, David Masters, along with Weaver and Hawkins. The advisory group comprises Brett Solomon, Professor Rod Sims, Audrey Tang, Professor Elanor Huntington, Julie Inman Grant, and Frances Haugen.

The institute has transitioned from its original form as the Tech Policy Design Centre at the Australian National University and continues to collaborate with government, industry, and civil society to achieve its objectives of policy design, educational programmes, public discourse, and multi-stakeholder engagement in tech policy.

Zoe Jay Hawkins, TPDi Chief Strategy Officer, remarked, "Technology impacts every aspect of our lives. Given its rapid evolution, it's easy to feel like we have little control over where technology is headed, but we don't have to passively accept the status quo. We can - and must - shape technology through the power of policy."

In support of the initiative, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic stated, "As rapid developments in tech reshape industries in Australia, thoughtful tech policy leadership has never been so important. Our Government is determined to seize the benefits of new tech, in ways that benefit all Australians. That's why we've embarked on work like our National AI Capability Plan, while making sure high-risk AI is safe to use. With their experience and insight, Johanna and her team will strengthen the national conversation, and I look forward to working together."

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy Paul Fletcher said, "We are living in the digital age, which presents a range of opportunities and challenges. This is an exciting initiative that will bring together policymakers and industry leaders with a shared view of advancing our country's technology interests."

Greens Senator and Digital Rights Spokesperson David Shoebridge highlighted, "The Tech Policy Design Institute plays an important role creating spaces where politicians can learn, collaborate, and craft smarter, human-centered tech policies. As technology races ahead it is critically important to ensure those tasked with regulating it are able to keep pace."

Kate Cheney, Independent Member of Curtin and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Tech Policy, also commented, "We need thought leaders like the Tech Policy Design Institute to provide leadership in a rapidly changing environment. The TPDI's approach is innovative and engaging, posing challenging questions and potential answers for today's policy leaders."

TPDi is headquartered in Canberra but collaborates internationally to reinforce Australia's status in tech policy leadership.