Following their recent Agentforce event in Sydney, in other Salesforce news, the tech giant has announced plans to invest USD $2.5 billion ($AU4 billion) in AI innovation, workforce development, and sustainability initiatives over the next five years. This groundbreaking investment underscores the company’s dedication to supporting Australia’s technological leadership and economic growth.
Salesforce is making significant strides in Australia, having welcomed over 10,000 customers, partners, and employees to its largest local event yet. The event focused on Agentforce, Salesforce’s new suite of autonomous AI tools designed to help businesses enhance productivity and improve customer experiences. More than 270 companies, including industry leaders like Telstra, Flight Centre, Canva, Scape, and hipages, are already using Salesforce’s AI technology to elevate their operations.
From present to prosperous future
Frank Fillmann, EVP & General Manager of Salesforce Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the importance of AI in shaping the future of Australian businesses. “We’re proud to invest in Australia to help organisations of all sizes transform their operations and redefine their workforces with agentic AI,” he said. According to Fillmann, Australian businesses face growing challenges, including low productivity growth, a tight labour market, and increasingly high customer expectations. AI, he believes, can provide a breakthrough solution to these issues, driving innovation and improving overall productivity.
Salesforce’s investment is in line with the Australian government’s National AI Capability Plan, which seeks to bolster local AI capabilities and fuel economic growth. In addition to the direct investment in AI technology, Salesforce is focusing on workforce development through initiatives like the Agentforce Learning Days and Hackathons roadshow, which will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This initiative aims to provide employees at over 270 Australian companies with the necessary tools to build and deploy AI agents.
Empowering the Australian AI landscape
Salesforce has been a prominent player in the Australian market since establishing its presence in 2004. Today, the company boasts over 2,400 employees in Australia, with thousands more working through its partner ecosystem. IDC’s research projects that Salesforce and its ecosystem will generate more than 245,000 jobs and $46 billion in business revenues by 2028, significantly growing the company’s impact.
In line with this vision, Salesforce has made substantial investments in Australian tech startups, including AI-driven companies such as Airwallex, GO1, and Culture Amp. These investments are part of Salesforce Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, which has committed over $6 billion globally to foster innovation across AI and enterprise technology.
Salesforce’s growing footprint in Australia is also reflected in its recent appointment of Anne Templeman-Jones, a highly experienced non-executive director, to its Global Advisory Board. Templeman-Jones is the first Australian to join the board, further cementing Salesforce’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Australian business community.
As Australia continues to embrace the AI revolution, Salesforce is prioritising workforce development through its ongoing partnerships with universities, vocational education providers, and not-for-profit organisations. The company’s free training platform, Trailhead, is empowering individuals with the skills needed for careers in the digital economy. Salesforce’s goal is to ensure that Australians are equipped to thrive in the rapidly changing job market.
The new Agentforce Learning Days and Hackathons are a key part of this strategy, helping employees across industries learn how to harness the power of AI. Salesforce is also supporting diversity and inclusion in the workforce through initiatives like the Deloitte Digital Career Compass program and the FW Jobs Academy, both of which aim to help women and diverse communities build in-demand AI skills.
These efforts align with the Australian government’s goal of creating 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030, with Salesforce’s investment playing a key role in unlocking Australia’s talent potential.
Spotlight on sustainability
Salesforce’s commitment to sustainability is also at the forefront of its Australian strategy. The company announced a $1.2 million grant to the Arbor Day Foundation and New Energy Nexus, aimed at supporting global reforestation and clean energy initiatives. This investment complements Salesforce’s existing reforestation work in Australia, including its collaboration with Greenfleet to plant over 30,000 native trees on degraded farmland.
Salesforce is also focused on reducing its environmental impact. The company’s Sydney office, Salesforce Tower, is set to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating, one of the highest standards in sustainable building design. This project reflects Salesforce’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations.
In 2020, Salesforce entered into a renewable energy agreement with X-ELIO’s Blue Grass Solar farm, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 320,000 tons annually while powering its Australian operations. This focus on sustainability is part of a broader company-wide effort to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Beyond 2025
With its bold investment in AI, workforce development, and sustainability, Salesforce is positioning itself as a key player in Australia’s digital transformation. By supporting local businesses, empowering individuals with new skills, and driving innovation, Salesforce is helping to shape a brighter, more prosperous future for all Australians.
As the company’s growth continues, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in Australia’s journey towards becoming a global leader in AI, technology, and sustainability. With the support of businesses, government, and the local workforce, Salesforce’s investment is sure to create lasting economic and societal benefits across the country.
