Blockchain Australia will rebrand to become the Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA), in what the organisation says is a strategic move to better represent the rapidly expanding sector.

DECA is expanding its membership categories to fully represent the multifaceted aspects of the digital economy. Amy-Rose Goodey will lead DECA as Managing Director, replacing CEO Simon Callaghan who is returning to the industry. The group aims to address top industry concerns including fit-for-purpose regulation (88%), lack of credible information (82%), and attracting the best talent (78%).

"The term 'blockchain', while central to our inception and growth, now represents only a segment of the vast digital ecosystem in which we operate. Our repositioning to the Digital Economy Council of Australia marks an important re-alignment for our organisation, to one that encompasses all verticals of the digital economy," said Goodey.

Australia's digital economy is set to grow rapidly due to technological advancements, government support, and shifting consumer behaviours. DECA expects the digital activity share of the Australian economy to increase to about 10% by 2030, making the digital sector one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. Australia could gain up to $56.7 billion in annual economic value in the year 2030 by adopting digital technologies to manage digital skills shortages, cybersecurity risks, and climate change-induced natural disasters.

"This transition marks an exciting new chapter for our organisation. DECA is uniquely positioned to lead the charge of enhancing Australia’s position in the global digital economy, serving as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration,” Goodey said.

DECA Chair Michael Bacina said the rebranding positions DECA to continue advocating for Australia's strong role in the digital future. "On the tenth year of the organisation’s founding, the rebranding to DECA and recognition that blockchain and distributed ledger technology will underpin so much of the digital economy in future positions DECA to keep serving our members and advocating for Australia to play a strong role in our digital future."

From 2025, Blockchain Week will evolve into The Digital Economy Conference, a landmark event dedicated to exploring the role of DLT, blockchain, and digital assets in Australia's digital transformation.

"As a formidable advocate for the industry, DECA will continue to proactively engage with policymakers, legislators, and regulatory bodies on behalf of our members through working groups and task forces, proactive policy submissions as well as participating in government consultations and submissions, while fostering a culture of digital literacy and supporting more jobs in the digital economy,” Goodey said.