Episode Summary
In this episode, Richard is joined by Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer of Data Centres Australia, to unpack one of the fastest‑growing pillars of Australia’s digital economy, data centres.
Belinda explains what data centres are, why they are classified as critical infrastructure, and how they underpin everything from online banking to cloud services and the rapid rise of AI. She breaks down the fundamentals of the sector - how capacity is measured, what drives demand, and the key metrics investors and policymakers need to understand.
Belinda highlights how data centre activity has been concentrated to date, with Sydney and Melbourne accounting for the majority of Australia’s capacity, and why Melbourne is now emerging as a major growth market. Belinda also discusses the scale of the opportunity ahead, the expected growth of the industry, and the factors that will shape Australia’s competitiveness, including planning speed, energy availability and government policy settings.
This episode provides a clear and timely overview of a sector that is becoming central to Australia’s digital and economic future.
About Our Guest
Belinda Dennett is the Chief Executive Officer of Data Centres Australia, the peak body representing the nation’s data centre and AI infrastructure sector. A highly respected public policy specialist, Belinda has spent more than two decades at the forefront of Australia’s digital economy, including senior roles at AirTrunk and Microsoft, as well as serving as a Federal ministerial advisor focused on digital economy policy. In addition, she holds qualifications in law and business.
Tune into the Episode
If you’re interested in understanding how data centres work, why they matter, and what the future holds for Australia’s digital infrastructure, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Coming Wednesday 15 April!
EPISODE LINKS
Belinda Dennett
Data Centres Australia
