Overview
Data Centres Australia is an Australian industry association officially launched on 28 November 2025, following an informal collaboration among major data centre operators.
Its purpose is to represent the sector and support Australia’s development as a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment. It promotes coordinated industry development, infrastructure resilience and sustainable operations.
Mission and focus areas
Data Centres Australia focuses on digital infrastructure investment, energy supply, water management, planning policy and workforce development. It works with government and industry to address regulatory and infrastructure constraints affecting data centre construction and operation.
Its sustainability priorities include energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, water efficiency and responsible development. These issues are relevant to environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis, infrastructure financing and assessment of the environmental impacts of expanding AI infrastructure.
Structure and governance
Data Centres Australia is an industry-led peak body representing data centre developers, operators and associated businesses. Its founding members include AirTrunk, Amazon Web Services, CDC Data Centres, Microsoft and NEXTDC.
The organisation is governed by a Board chaired by Craig Scroggie, Chief Executive Officer of NEXTDC. Belinda Dennett serves as Chief Executive Officer, supported by Tim Marshall, Head of Operations and Strategy.
Board representatives are drawn from founding member organisations. Membership provides a basis for industry participation and supports the association’s policy, research and engagement activities.
Programs and offerings
Data Centres Australia provides policy advocacy, industry research, stakeholder engagement and professional networking. It publishes market intelligence, research reports, consultation submissions and commentary on digital infrastructure development.
Its Member Commitments framework addresses energy, water, sustainable design, community engagement, security, resilience and workforce development. The framework also provides for annual sector-level progress reporting.
The association organises member events and collaborates with government on infrastructure planning and regulatory policy. For finance and sustainability professionals, its publications support data centre investment analysis, infrastructure risk assessment, ESG due diligence and evaluation of resource requirements associated with AI infrastructure growth.
