The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has announced that Scott Farquhar, co-founder and board director of Atlassian, will succeed Robyn Denholm as chairperson. It marks a new chapter for Australia’s peak technology industry body.
Robyn Denholm, who has led the TCA since its inception in 2021, will step down after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact, remaining on the board to continue supporting the organisation’s mission.
“Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural chairperson has been a privilege,” said 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 research and development review,” she added. “I look forward to continuing to support the TCA as a board member.”
Scott Farquhar, a founding member of the TCA and one of Australia’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, will step into the role of chairperson 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 said. “I’m proud to take on the role of chairperson and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem.”
“When we founded TCA, the Australian tech sector lacked a unified national voice to advocate for our sector,” Farquhar added. “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.”
TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi thanked Denholm for her leadership and welcomed Farquhar’s appointment.
“Having a global tech leader like Robyn as our inaugural chairperson has been instrumental in establishing the TCA as a key advocate for the Australian technology sector,” he said. “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. We look forward to continuing to support her work on research and development and investment in Australia.”
“We are delighted to welcome Scott Farquhar as our new chairperson. 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.”
The transition will take effect in late March with Farquhar championing the TCA’s work across government and industry to advance policies that foster innovation, investment, and long-term growth in Australia’s tech sector.
