The Albanese Government’s $470 million bet on building the world’s first quantum computer remains under another cloud following revelations in Senate Estimates that building is unlikely to commence on time.

After questioning the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, it’s been revealed that the planning application for the Brisbane site has not been submitted, and that an application can take up to 9 months to approve.

PsiQuantum had planned to start building the quantum computer before July 2025, and the lack of a planning application casts significant doubt over Labor’s proposed timeline.

We already know the Labor government’s allocation of $470 million to PsiQuantum was made with no proper procurement process, and as the Productivity Commission said, wouldn’t pass the Government’s national interest framework process.

Meanwhile, PsiQuantum is moving ahead with another quantum computer project in Chicago, with plans already approved for their first building, and work expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.

It seems Minister Husic’s captain’s call hasn’t given Australia the head-start on quantum computing he was hoping for.