Tech Council says data centres foundation of Australia's AI capability

The federal government wants Australia to become a global destination for data centres, but it's seeking new commitments on national security, energy and water use and investment in local workers.

Industry Minister Tim Ayres will this morning announce five "national expectations" for companies looking to build or expand data centre operations.

Billions of dollars are flowing into the data centre industry in Australia - powered by the explosion of artificial intelligence, with new research - from the Tech Council of Australia - showing the tech sector now makes up the equivalent of around 9% of national GDP.

• GUEST: Lucinda Longcroft, Tech Council's acting CEO