The Tech Council of Australia (TCA), the national body representing the tech sector, has named Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar as its new chair to replace Robyn Denholm who has led the organisation since inception.
Denholm will step down as chair after more than three years in the role but will remain on the TCA board to support the organisation’s mission.
Reflecting on her tenure, Dehholm has highlighted the achievements of the TCA and the growing influence of the Australian tech sector.
“Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural chair has been a privilege,” says Denholm.
“Over the past three-and-a-half years, we have worked to establish the tech sector as a critical pillar of Australia’s economy, securing bipartisan support for key initiatives and shaping policies that enable Australian innovation to thrive.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together - including our bipartisan jobs goal, critical changes to migration policy and my ongoing work on Australia’s R&D review. I look forward to continuing to support the TCA as a board member.”
Farquhar, a founding member of the TCA, steps into the role of chair at a time of increasing opportunity and responsibility for the sector.
“The TCA was founded on the belief that technology is a fundamental driver of economic growth, job creation and national competitiveness,” he says.
“I’m proud to take on the role of chair and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem.”
The TCA was the brainchild of Alex McCauley, the CEO of StartupAUS, who in 2020 saw that a new body was needed for the fast-growing Australian tech sector.
“When we founded TCA, the Australian tech sector lacked a unified national voice to advocate for our sector,” says Farquhar.
“Today, thanks to the work we’ve done alongside our members, we have a unified voice on the national stage - ensuring the right policies are in place to drive our industry forward.
“As we look ahead, there is enormous potential to expand our advocacy in critical areas like digital infrastructure, consumer energy, and emerging technology.
“I look forward to working closely with governments, industry leaders, and innovators to ensure Australia remains a world-class tech powerhouse.”
In welcoming Farquhar’s appointment, Damian Kassabgi, the CEO of the TCA, thanked Denholm for her “exceptional leadership”.
“Having a global tech leader like Robyn as our inaugural chair has been instrumental in establishing the TCA as a key advocate for the Australian technology sector,” says Kassabgi.
“Her leadership has set the foundation for the tech industry to be recognised as a major economic force, shaping policy and investment that supports innovation and job growth.”
Kassabgi says he is looking forward to continuing to support Denholm’s work on research and development and investment in Australia.
“We are delighted to welcome Scott Farquhar as our new chair,” he says.
“As one of Australia’s original tech success stories, proving that Australian tech can go global and that we can keep and foster international talent locally.
“Scott’s leadership will be invaluable in shepherding the industry forward and ensuring the TCA continues to champion policies that unlock Australia’s tech potential.”
Farquhar will step into the role at the end of this month.
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