Major upskilling drive under new $25 billion investment
Microsoft has announced a pledge to train three million Australians in workforce-ready artificial intelligence skills by 2028, in what it calls the nation's largest-ever AI skilling commitment.
The initiative, unveiled in Sydney alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is part of a broader $25 billion investment in Australia's AI infrastructure, cyber defence and skills programmes to the end of 2029.
"Microsoft will train three million Australians with workforce-ready AI skills by 2028 – the largest commitment of its kind ever made in Australia," the company said.
The skilling drive will target schools, workplaces and community organisations. In classrooms, Microsoft is launching Elevate for Educators in Australia, a free programme designed to help teachers and school leaders use AI responsibly.
A partnership with youth platform Anyway will roll out a free AI-powered Career Coach to up to 1,000 schools, giving students personalised guidance at key decision points about study and work.
The company is also expanding support for non-profits and social impact groups through Elevate for Changemakers, offering AI readiness credentials and practical training aimed at helping organisations use AI safely and in line with community expectations.
These programs build on an earlier goal to skill one million people across Australia and New Zealand by the end of 2025, which Microsoft says it achieved ahead of schedule.
Albanese said the package aligns with the Federal Government's National AI Plan.
"We want to make sure all Australians benefit from AI. Our National AI Plan is all about capturing the economic opportunities of this transformative technology while protecting Australians from the risks," he said.
"Microsoft's long-term investment in our national capability will help deliver on that plan – strengthening our cyber defences and creating opportunity for Australian workers and businesses."
Major AI investment in Australia
Meanwhile, Microsoft chairman and chief executive Satya Nadella said the company sees Australia as well placed to capitalise on AI-driven growth.
"Australia has an enormous opportunity to translate AI into real economic growth and societal benefit," he said.
"That is why we are making our largest investment in Australia to date, committing $25 billion to expand AI and cloud capacity, strengthen cybersecurity, and expand access to digital skills across the country."
Under the investment plan, Microsoft will expand its Azure AI supercomputing and cloud infrastructure across Australia, including deploying advanced AI processors and increasing its local cloud footprint by more than 140% by 2029.
The company will also deepen its work with the Australian Signals Directorate through the Microsoft–ASD Cyber Shield programme, extending coverage to additional federal agencies to improve security configuration and threat visibility across critical government systems.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said the package underscores Australia's position in the global AI race.
"This is a global game-changer for Australia and exactly the kind of investment we need to capture the economic opportunity of the AI era," Black said in a statement.
"Microsoft's $25 billion commitment to infrastructure and cyber security will support jobs, lift productivity, and contribute to long-term economic growth. This shows how Australia can be a leader in AI and the scale of the economic opportunity that comes with it."
