How Google Plans To Shape 'The Next Wave Of Innovation' In Australia

Almost a year after threatening to remove Google Search out of Australia, the multinational technology company announced this week that it will invest $740 million ($1 billion AUD) in the country, its most substantial funding there yet.

Tensions rose between the tech giant and Australia in January after the country sought to make a law that would make it obligatory for tech companies to pay news publications if their content populates Google searches.

Mel Silva, Google Australia’s managing director, said the law was unrealizable. "If this version of the code were to become law, it would give us no real choice but to stop making Google Search available in Australia" he stated.

In response, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not take well to the threat, saying that “Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia."

In a surprising change of events, however, Google has announced that it will make its largest investment into the country yet. The funding will be used to help move forward the Digital Future Initiative, which seeks to immediately generate 6,000 jobs, and eventually 28,000 total.

"I particularly appreciate the approach that Google has taken to dealing with some difficult issues," Morrison said, calling the investment a "one-billion-dollar vote of confidence in Australia's Digital Economy Strategy."

Google CEO Sunda Pichai is confident that "Australia can help lead the world's next wave of innovation, harnessing technology to improve lives, create jobs, and make progress”.