Gearing Up for the Quantum Leap: Advancing Australia’s Global Position

2025 marks UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and Standards Australia has today released the draft standard, Quantum technology – Reference guide to quantum computing, along with a new research report highlighting Australia’s growing leadership in quantum standardisation.  

The draft standard, AS 5405, was launched alongside World Quantum Day and is now open for public comment. Standards Australia is inviting input from academics, government, and industry.

Rod Balding, CEO of Standards Australia, said the draft standard and report align with the National Quantum Strategy and reinforce Australia’s position in the global quantum race:

“Evolution of quantum technologies is significantly reshaping global industries and economies. Standardisation is essential to ensure quantum technologies are applied safely and effectively across sectors.”

Set for release in mid-2025, AS 5405 is designed to help those without deep technical expertise to better understand and engage with quantum technologies. It also supports investment and planning by outlining practical frameworks for adoption.

Quantum Technologies and Standards

“As quantum technologies rapidly evolve, we know robust standards are critical to ensuring their safe, reliable use and interoperability. Australia is at the forefront of advancing quantum technologies given our role in key international and national changes. The release of the draft standard for public comment showcases Australia’s commitment to the quantum industry both locally and internationally,” added Mr Balding. 

Australia channels its international efforts in quantum standardisation through the global Quantum Technologies committee. Michael Egan, Australia’s Head of Delegation to the Committee and Director of Quantum Technologies at KPMG, highlighted the wide-ranging impact of quantum:

“Quantum computing is set to outperform classical computing by solving complex problems at unprecedented speeds - impacting fields like cryptography, finance modelling, and medicine. Quantum communication offers impenetrable data security through unbreakable encryption protocols and is increasingly crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. Quantum sensing provides new methods for measuring properties such as time, gravity, and temperature with endless possible applications.” 

The accompanying research report, Quantum Technologies and Standardisation Globally and in Australia, offers guidance to help define and implement quantum technologies across industries.

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‍A Strong Foundation for 2025 and Beyond

Mr Balding encouraged stakeholders to contribute to the consultation:

“Standards Australia is proud to be playing a key role to help ensure quantum technologies develop safely. We’d also like to acknowledge Nathan Langford’s and Simon Devitt’s valuable contributions.”

Both contributors are based at the University of Technology Sydney. Associate Professor Langford and Professor Devitt are co-authors of the report.  

In addition, Dr Cathy Foley, former Chief Scientist of Australia and author of the National Quantum Strategy, has been appointed Chair of Standards Australia’s Quantum Technologies Committee (QT-001):

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead Australia’s efforts nationally and internationally and to build on momentum gained in quantum science and technology. The National Quantum Strategy positions Australia as a global leader, translating world-class research into real economic opportunities. With strong investment and coordination, we can drive new industries, attract major international players, and build a thriving deep-tech sector that strengthens our economy.” 

Standards Australia welcomes feedback on AS 5405 via public comment until June 16, 2025.

For more information, go to our Quantum Technologies page.