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The Australian Federal Government has created a National Data Advisory Council in order to manage data better and to drive innovation and economic growth.
The advisory council was created based on a recommendation of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of Australia’s data sharing and release arrangements. It also recommended a new Data Sharing and Release Act to replace the complex web of rules and regulations that have restricted data sharing between government agencies.
Advisory Board to focus on ethical data usage and data best practice
“Work on this legislation is already well advanced and will enshrine the principles of privacy and security, while also ensuring that Australia can continue to capitalise on the enormous benefits that data can deliver when used correctly,” said Minister for human services and digital transformation Michael Keenan.
The purpose of the council is to guide the Office of the National Data Commissioner on ethical data usage, and technical best practice. This follows the Government’s plan to develop a new framework for sharing and managing public sector data announced last year in July.
“Data held by Government is a hugely valuable national resource that, when used correctly, can drive innovation and economic growth, help to better inform public policy, and deliver breakthroughs for researchers and scientists,” Minister Keenan said.
Advisory council representative of all Australia
There are nine representatives in the council, including are associate professor Nicholas Biddle whose research includes examining how to deliver economic and social benefits to Australia’s Indigenous population. Ellen Broad, an independent consultant in open data, data sharing and artificial intelligence ethics.
Paul McCarney, the co-founder of Data Governance Australia with more than 20 years of experience in data, technology and digital business. Joshua Meltzer, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC who has examined the significance of the internet and cross-border data flows for international trade.
Also in the council is Lauren Solomon, CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, an independent, non‑profit, consumer research organisation; and professor Fiona Stanley, 2003 Australian of the Year and research professor of paediatrics and child health at the University of Western Australia.
The Government members of the council are Australian Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel, and Australian Statistician David Kalisch.
“But maintaining public trust is crucial in order to unlock the full potential that our data holds. That is why I’m pleased to have a council advising us that represents the full range of community views, including those of civil society advocates, researchers and industry” Minister Kennan added.
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In a thorough report by the National AI Centre, Australia is poised to solidify its stance as a global frontrunner in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by strategically transforming cutting-edge AI research into lucrative commercial prospects.

Termed “Australia’s Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem – Catalysing an AI Industry”, the report delves into a comprehensive analysis, empowering businesses, investors, government bodies, and research institutions with the latest insights to propel Australia’s AI landscape forward.
Published during the inaugural AI Month in Australia, the report, commissioned by the National AI Centre, housed within CSIRO (Australia’s national science agency), highlights a significant revelation: while Australia contributes 1.6% of global AI research, only 0.2% of global AI patents originate from within the country. Securing patents for indigenous research becomes pivotal in harnessing Australia’s innovations, amplifying its global competitiveness on the AI frontier.
Stela Solar, Director of the National AI Centre, emphasises the imperative to capitalise on the immense $13 trillion AI opportunity. Solar advocates for patenting, commercialisation, and application of Australia’s groundbreaking research towards solving domestic and global challenges.
She believes, “This strategic move could elevate Australia’s international standing, entice investments, foster talent development, and cultivate nascent sectors and employment avenues.”
Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, Chief Research Consultant at CSIRO’s Data61 and lead author of the report, identifies a critical strategy: pinpointing and fortifying Australia’s AI specialities to bolster its global market edge.
Hajkowicz asserts, “Australia’s AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving, presenting opportunities for specialisation and diversification. Our focus should revolve around applying innovative AI in domains where Australia already leads on a global scale.”
The report delineates 31 potential application domains, pinpointing areas for Australia to become a prominent AI innovator and exporter. Notably, these areas span diverse sectors such as livestock production, medical technology, horticulture, optometry, and dermatology.
Dr Alexandra Bratanova, Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO’s Data61 and report co-author, emphasises the significance of nurturing AI innovation hubs tailored to specific industries. “Domestically nurtured AI solutions often align more closely with our values of safe and responsible AI products. These solutions can be customised to domestic needs and uphold higher quality standards compared to those offered by large international AI providers,” says Dr. Bratanova.
The report uncovers compelling findings:
- Australia hosts 544 AI companies, placing it on par with global AI leaders like Canada.
- Over the past decade, 396 AI companies have emerged, with 204 established in the last five years, representing a 7.7% year-on-year growth.
- Predominantly, these companies focus on data services, developing and optimising AI capabilities, particularly in data analysis and management.
- The AI companies exhibit geographic clustering, with eight prominent hotspots across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, housing 54% (296) of these enterprises.
Moreover, the report includes insights gleaned from consultations with 28 stakeholders within Australia’s AI ecosystem. Representatives from companies pioneering AI technologies, government agencies, and research institutions have contributed valuable perspectives.
Australia stands at a pivotal juncture, armed with cutting-edge AI research and burgeoning industry clusters. By strategically harnessing these strengths, the nation can propel itself to the forefront of global AI innovation, fostering economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
The report arrives amid escalating apprehensions regarding AI’s potential misuse. The widespread impact of AI raises pressing copyright concerns that encompass various facets, including the data utilised for training AI models, the transparency surrounding AI’s inputs and outputs, the emergence of imitative works generated by AI, and the intricate discussions regarding copyright safeguarding for creations produced by AI.
To address challenges posed by AI on copyright issues, the Australian government launched a dedicated copyright and AI reference group. This initiative aims to proactively anticipate and navigate the intricate web of copyright concerns brought about by the proliferation of AI technology.
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China has achieved a significant milestone in the advancement of its computing infrastructure with the official release of the national standard GB/T 43331-2023, titled “Internet Data Centre (IDC) Technology and Classification Requirements.” This strategic move underscores a steadfast commitment to propelling the robust development of the computing industry within the country.
Spearheaded by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), in collaboration with various enterprises and institutions, this achievement signifies a dedication to aligning with the evolving needs of the national computing infrastructure and ensuring the high-quality evolution of the computing industry.
The comprehensive scope of GB/T 43331-2023 spans six dynamic aspects, mirroring the complexity of the digital landscape it seeks to regulate. These aspects include greenness, availability, security, service capabilities, computing power, and computing efficiency, with an added emphasis on low-carbon practices.
At its core, this national standard is designed to serve as a guiding framework for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Internet Data Centres (IDCs). The creators envision a future where GB/T 43331-2023 acts as a catalyst, propelling diverse industries forward by facilitating a more profound integration of computing infrastructure.
The roots of this groundbreaking standard extend back to 2013 when the data centre team of the Institute of Cloud Computing and Big Data at the CAICT embarked on a mission to standardise the communication industry.
Over the years, several data centre rating standards have emerged, each contributing as a stepping stone towards the ultimate realisation of GB/T 43331-2023. This national standard has now come to fruition after years of collaboration with users, designers, and industry suppliers.
According to CAICT, the standard places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, a longstanding concern in the development of data centres. No longer a vague aspiration, GB/T 43331-2023 outlines specific requirements aimed at elevating the energy efficiency levels of data centres through the application of green technology and adept operation and maintenance system management.
Beyond technology, the standard underscores a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. It addresses service capabilities through a comprehensive evaluation of external services in data centres. This assessment isn’t a mere formality; it objectively gauges capabilities, fostering self-improvement within data centres and aiding customers in selecting facilities suitable for their business needs.
The newly released standard also focuses on availability, enhancing data centre resilience through improved equipment redundancy. This ensures data protection during emergencies, fortifying the foundational architecture of the digital world. Security, a paramount concern in the data-centric era, receives meticulous attention. Beyond conventional measures like firewalls and passwords, the standard aims to ensure the safety of both data centre equipment and personnel, adopting a holistic approach to fortify the guardians of the digital realms.
The CAICT added that the GB/T 43331-2023 is not merely a set of regulations; it is a guidebook signalling a future where computing infrastructure seamlessly integrates into daily life. It represents a collaborative effort among academia, industry, and innovation, shaping a digital landscape that is not only efficient but also sustainable, secure, and prepared for future challenges.
By establishing common guidelines, protocols, and specifications, these standards ensure that hardware and software components from different vendors can seamlessly communicate and function as part of an integrated system. This not only simplifies integration processes but also fosters a more open and competitive market.
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In a strategic move toward addressing the increasing challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) on copyright issues, the Australian government is launching a dedicated copyright and AI reference group. This initiative aims to proactively anticipate and navigate the intricate web of copyright concerns brought about by the proliferation of AI technology.
AI’s pervasive influence sparks critical copyright quandaries, encompassing aspects like the data used to train AI models, transparency in AI’s inputs and outputs, the emergence of imitative works through AI, and the nuanced debate surrounding copyright protection for AI-generated creations.
This reference group, conceived as a continuous forum, will foster ongoing dialogues and collaborations with stakeholders from diverse sectors including the creative, media, and technology domains. Its core objective is to methodically deliberate on these complex issues in a consultative manner, ensuring a holistic approach to address AI’s impact on copyright.
Australia’s proactive engagement with a wide spectrum of stakeholders underscores the nation’s commitment to leveraging AI advancements while safeguarding the vibrancy of the creative sector. This collaborative effort is poised to unlock the potential of AI while upholding the vitality and creativity of Australia’s diverse industries.
Aligned with broader government initiatives on AI, spearheaded by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, this reference group stands as a pivotal addition in the quest for the safe and responsible utilisation of AI.
The inception of this group stems from a series of copyright-focused roundtables initiated earlier in the year. These forums, culminating in a final gathering, facilitated crucial discussions, aggregating insights from over 50 peak bodies and organisations on pressing copyright reform issues. The establishment of the AI-centric reference group signifies a natural progression in these conversations, channelling sustained deliberations on AI’s copyright implications.
For those invested in these developments, comprehensive details about the reference group and key outcomes from the fourth copyright roundtable will soon be accessible on the Attorney-General’s Department’s website. This forthcoming information will provide a deeper understanding of Australia’s proactive stance in navigating the intricate intersection of AI and copyright in the digital era.
Australia is rapidly embracing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), leveraging its capabilities across diverse sectors to drive innovation both domestically and on the global stage.
The country has strategically integrated AI into various sectors, including healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education. Initiatives such as AI-driven healthcare diagnostics, predictive analytics in agriculture, and personalised learning systems in education exemplify the nation’s commitment to harnessing AI’s power for societal progress.
The Western Australian government has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, alleviating work burdens, and fostering a conducive environment for educators to focus on teaching. The region’s Education Minister, Dr Tony Buti, spearheading this initiative, took into account the insights from two pivotal reports and explored the potential of AI tools to revamp policies and processes.
OpenGov Asia reported on the study Responsible AI: Best Practices for Creating Trustworthy AI Systems. This study delves into risks, ethical considerations and the imperative for responsible practices, highlighting the challenges, principles, and paths forward in leveraging AI for positive impact while mitigating potential harm.
Internationally, via the Aus4Innovation programme, collaborative efforts between Australia and Vietnam in AI are pushing boundaries from disaster response simulations to AI-enhanced agriculture and environmental management.
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Computer scientists from Iraq and Australia have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital imaging to create an innovative diagnostic tool, achieving a remarkable 98% accuracy in detecting facial palsy, while also determining the patient’s gender and age.

The researchers, affiliated with the Middle Technical University (MTU) in Baghdad and the University of South Australia (UniSA), believe that the tool has the potential to significantly reduce diagnostic errors associated with this prevalent and treatable neurological disorder.
Facial palsy, characterised by temporary muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face due to impairment of the facial nerve, affects approximately 1 in 60 individuals worldwide during their lifetime. While facial palsy is commonly caused by nerve impairment, less frequent causes include tumors, infections, or strokes. The challenge in diagnosing facial palsy lies in its ability to mimic other conditions, often leading to misdiagnosis. A 2020 paper estimates that misdiagnosis occurs in up to 20% of cases, underscoring the critical need for accurate diagnostic tools.
Published in BioMedInformatics, the researchers detailed their real-time detection system for facial palsy, leveraging a microcomputer, digital camera, and a deep learning algorithm. The team utilised a robust dataset comprising 26,000 images, with 19,000 representing normal facial conditions and 1,600 showcasing facial palsy. Employing advanced AI techniques, the researchers trained computer vision systems to recognise facial palsy, distinguishing it from healthy conditions.
To put their system to the test, the researchers captured images of 20 patients with varying degrees of facial palsy. The algorithm not only detected the condition in real time but also accurately identified the approximate age and gender of the patients. According to Professor Javaan Chahl, a remote sensing engineer at the University of South Australia, the system achieved an impressive 98% accuracy rate.
The significance of this AI-driven diagnostic tool extends beyond its accuracy. By using computer vision systems for facial palsy detection, the researchers believe that the tool has the potential to prevent misdiagnoses, ultimately saving time, effort, and costs for both patients and medical specialists.
Traditional methods of detection through visual examination are prone to inaccuracies due to the subtle presentation of facial palsy, which can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Early and accurate detection is crucial, as facial palsy may be indicative of underlying issues such as stroke, HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or Lyme disease.
The researchers highlight that individuals most at risk of developing facial palsy are typically aged between 30 and 45, pregnant women, diabetics, and those with a family history of the condition. Moreover, facial palsy tends to affect the left side of the face more frequently, although the condition often resolves spontaneously within six months.
The paper titled “Automatic Facial Palsy, Age and Gender Detection Using a Raspberry Pi” is authored by Ali Al-Naji from MTU and UniSA, Javaan Chahl from UniSA, Ali Saber Amsalan from MTU, and Ammar Yahya Daeef from MTU. This collaborative effort between Iraqi and Australian researchers underscores the global nature of scientific advancements and their potential to transform healthcare practices. As the field of AI continues to evolve, such interdisciplinary collaborations pave the way for innovative solutions that have a tangible impact on patient care and medical diagnostics.
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Bridging vast distances through technological innovation, the Aus4Innovation programme stands as a testament to the collaboration between Australia and Vietnam. This partnership is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise various sectors, ranging from disaster response strategies to agricultural efficiency.

In the realm of disaster response and search and rescue, Aus4Innovation has played a pivotal role in facilitating the testing and scaling of AI technologies by Australian and Vietnamese innovators. One significant outcome of this collaboration is a research initiative between the University of Technology Sydney and Le Quy Don University in Vietnam.
Together, they are leveraging the latest advancements in digital transformation technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and AI simulations, to develop a cutting-edge system for search and rescue training. This innovative approach allows rescue workers to engage in simulation training for diverse scenarios, minimising risks to both expensive equipment and, more importantly, lives. By practising in a safe environment, search and rescue workers can enhance their skills and mitigate potential tragic consequences during actual rescue efforts.
In the agricultural domain, the Aus4Innovation program has fostered a partnership between the University of Wollongong and a Vietnamese tech company. This collaboration has led to the creation of Smart Eye, an AI-driven system designed to monitor and assess the health of sugarcane.
Deployed across more than 25 thousand hectares in the Thanh Hoa province, Smart Eye integrates soil moisture sensors to provide farmers with crucial data on nutritional stress, water stress, and leaf diseases. Delivered through a user-friendly mobile app, this technology empowers farmers to make timely decisions to protect their crops and sustain productivity.
The successful adoption of Smart Eye by the largest buyer of sugarcane in Thanh Hoa, showcases the potential for customising and replicating this technology for other crops in Vietnam, spanning rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, industrial crops, forestry, and aquaculture.
In the conservation sector, Aus4Innovation has contributed to transforming environmental management at Tram Chim National Park, one of Vietnam’s largest national parks. Challenges such as insufficient and irregular survey data, extreme weather conditions, and vast parklands were addressed by a collaboration between the University of Wollongong and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
Leveraging AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), experts developed specialised tools for monitoring the park. These tools, including drones and monitoring stations, enable efficient data collection and analysis, offering insights into the park’s environment, health, water, soil, air quality, bird population, and early detection of fires. Park rangers and staff have been trained to operate these systems, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions for the park’s ecosystem.
The Aus4Innovation program, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and co-funded and managed by CSIRO, aligns with Australia’s commitment to supporting and strengthening Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
As part of Australia’s AI Month, the program underscores the nation’s dedication to responsible AI creation and adoption. The CSIRO National AI Centre plays a crucial role in advancing Australia’s AI expertise and capabilities, fostering a collaborative and focused AI ecosystem for the benefit of all Australians. Through such initiatives, Australia aims to secure a competitive global edge in artificial intelligence.
The Aus4Innovation program stands at the forefront of transformative technological collaborations between Australia and Vietnam. Through a profound integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, this partnership has yielded groundbreaking solutions across disaster response, agriculture, and environmental management. The success stories, from AI-driven search and rescue simulations to Smart Eye’s impact on sugarcane monitoring, underscore the potential of technology to address complex challenges and drive sustainable development.
As Australia spotlights its AI proficiency during AI Month, initiatives like the Aus4Innovation program exemplify the power of responsible and innovative technology adoption, setting the stage for a future where collaborative tech advancements foster resilience, efficiency, and positive change on a global scale.
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The New South Wales (NSW) Government is working to address the anticipated shortage of 85,000 digital workers in the region by 2030. In a collaborative effort, government officials, leaders from the digital industry, and education and training providers are joining forces to bridge the looming digital skills gap. The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, recently officiated the launch of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House, marking a significant milestone in the initiative.

The collaboration involves 37 compact partners, comprising the highest echelons of industry representation. Together, these partners hold a considerable reach, influencing 1.7 million students and representing over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.
The scope of the compact is extensive, aiming to promote digital careers across the state, with a specific focus on encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and individuals in regional and remote areas to pursue tech-related professions.
At its core, the compact seeks to transform the perception of digital careers, fostering diversity in the sector and creating welcoming and productive workspaces. Recognising the urgency of the skills shortage, the partnership is committed to developing and implementing new employment pathways, providing on-the-job training experiences for individuals aspiring to embark on a long-term career in the digital industry.
The ambitious goals of the NSW Digital Compact are outlined in a comprehensive set of milestones. Firstly, the compact aims to alter societal perceptions of tech careers, emphasising diversity and inclusivity within the sector. By collaborating with industry partners, the initiative plans to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences. Additionally, efforts will be made to extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.
Recognising the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the compact seeks to provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles. This not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry.
A crucial component of the collaborative effort is the establishment of a Digital Education Forum. This platform, created in collaboration with universities, TAFE institutions, school curriculum providers, and industry experts, is dedicated to enhancing tech education and fostering stronger industry partnerships. The forum serves as a proactive measure to ensure that educational institutions are aligned with industry needs and that students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital workforce.
The Minister Steve Whan underscores the significance of this landmark agreement, emphasising the commitment of the NSW Government to shape a digitally empowered future for the state. Beyond just bridging the skills gap, the NSW Digital Compact is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital workforce.
The Minister highlights that the compact represents a substantial opportunity for government, industry, and education leaders to work together in changing people’s perceptions of ‘tech’ and expanding the inclusivity of the sector.
The Chair of the NSW Skills Board and CEO of ANZ branch of the partnering tech firm stressed the research commissioned by the NSW Skills Board, projecting a shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. To address this gap, the compact partners aim to achieve 20% of new hires coming from alternative pathways by the same year. The Chair believes that the compact will play a pivotal role in providing a pipeline of diverse talent to fill high-paying, secure jobs that are being created in NSW’s rapidly growing digital sector.
The NSW Digital Compact Partners include the NSW Government, several major global companies, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, TAFE NSW, Tech Council of Australia, and all NSW/ACT universities. This diverse coalition reflects a collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital workforce, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the years to come.
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The Western Australian government has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, alleviating work burdens, and fostering a conducive environment for educators to focus on teaching. The region’s Education Minister, Dr Tony Buti, spearheading this initiative, took into account the insights from two pivotal reports and explored the potential of AI tools to revamp policies and processes.
In the wake of an in-depth review into bureaucratic complexities earlier this year, Minister Buti carefully considered the outcomes of the Department of Education’s “Understanding and Reducing the Workload of Teachers and Leaders in Western Australian Public Schools” review and the State School Teachers’ Union’s “Facing the Facts” report. Both reports shed light on the escalating intricacies of teaching and the primary factors contributing to workloads for educators, school leaders, and institutions.
Embracing technology as a key driver for change, the government is contemplating the adoption of AI, drawing inspiration from successful trials in other Australian states. The objective is to modernise and enhance the efficiency of professional learning, lesson planning, marking, and assessment development. AI tools also hold promise in automating tasks such as excursion planning, meeting preparations, and general correspondence, thereby mitigating the burden on teachers.
Collaborating with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, as well as the independent and Catholic sectors, the government aims to explore AI applications to streamline curriculum planning and elevate classroom teaching. The integration of AI is envisioned to usher in a new era of educational efficiency.
In consultation with unions, associations, principals, teachers, and administrative staff, the Department of Education has identified a range of strategies to immediately, in the short term, and in the long term, alleviate the workload for public school educators.
Among these strategies, a noteworthy allocation of AU$2.26 million is earmarked for a trial involving 16 Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators. These coordinators will collaborate with public school leaders to tailor educational programs for students with disabilities and learning challenges.
Furthermore, a pioneering pilot project, jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, seeks to digitise paper-based school forms, reducing red tape and providing a consistent, accessible, and efficient method for sharing information online. Each digital submission is anticipated to save 30 minutes of staff time compared to its paper-based counterpart. Additionally, efforts are underway to simplify the process related to the exclusion of public school students while enhancing support to schools.
As part of the broader effort to support schools, the ‘Connect and Respect’ program, outlining expectations for appropriate relationships with teachers, is set to undergo expansion. This expansion includes the creation of out-of-office templates, and establishing boundaries on when it is acceptable to contact staff after working hours. The overarching goal is to minimise misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering a healthier work-life balance for teaching staff.
The Education Minister expressed his commitment to reducing administrative tasks that divert teachers from their core mission of educating students. Acknowledging the pervasive nature of this challenge, the Minister emphasised the government’s determination to create optimal conditions for school staff to focus on their primary roles.
In his remarks, the Minister underscored the significance of these initiatives, emphasising their positive impact in ensuring that teachers can dedicate their time and energy to helping every student succeed. The unveiled measures represent a pivotal step toward realising the government’s vision of a streamlined, technology-enhanced educational landscape that prioritises the well-being of educators and, ultimately, the success of students.