The AI transition: What are the economics, social and ethical impacts?
Join an expert discussion on where AI is going, and what that means for technology, productivity and society.
Presented in partnership between ATSE's NSW Division and Engineers Australia.
AI is already transforming many sectors including healthcare, finance, research,
and education. However, it also raises important questions about ethics, privacy, and the future of work.
This one-day event will explore the AI transition in detail – bringing together perspectives from industry, academia and the non-government sector. Through a series of engaging panel sessions, a range of expert speakers will unpack some the key questions we all need to be thinking about as AI transforms the world around us.
The symposium will include welcome remarks by Dr Cathy Foley AO, ATSE President and Former Chief Scientist, and a keynote address by Scientia Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW’s AI Institute.
Panel sessions will include discussion of the legal, ethical and social impacts of AI, its implications for productivity, as well as unique perspectives from industry and academia.
Beginner-friendly resources
Books
- Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans – Melanie Mitchell
- A clear and thoughtful overview of AI capabilities and limitations.
- You Look Like a Thing and I Love You – Janelle Shane
- A humorous and highly accessible introduction using real-world examples.
Online resources
Courses and videos
- AI For Everyone – Andrew Ng (Coursera)
- CrashCourse AI – Youtube
Podcasts
Date
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PMCost
$50 Students
$200 ATSE or Engineers Australia Fellows
$300 General public
$200 ATSE or Engineers Australia Fellows
$300 General public
Event program
Session times (AEST) |
Session details |
| 9:00 | Registration and coffee |
| 9:30 | Opening session – Welcome remarks from ATSE President Dr Cathy Foley AO FTSE FAA |
| 9:45 | Keynote address – Professor Toby Walsh FTSE FAA |
| 10:15 |
Session 1 – AI Makers: the computer and infrastructure powering Australia's AI revolution Moderator: George Maltabarow FTSE, ATSE NSW Division Chair Panelists:
|
| 11:15 |
Morning Tea |
| 11:30 |
Session 2 – Industry perspectives Moderator: Chris Vonwiller AM FTSE, former Chairman of Appen Panelists:
|
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 13:15 |
Session 3 – Implications for productivity Panelists:
|
| 14:15 |
Session 4 – Legal, ethical and social impacts Moderator: Trevor Danos AM FTSE Panelists:
|
| 15:15 | Afternoon tea |
| 15:30 |
Session 5 – Wrap up Panelists:
|
| 16:15-17:00 | Closing drinks |
Key speakers
Key speakers
Chief Scientist, AI Institute
Director
Dr Keay is an influential leader in AI and robotics, creating industry-research collaborations, and a role model and champion for diversity in STEM.
FTSE
Maltabarow combines economic and engineering knowledge to recognize and support implementation of critical technological advances over a period of radical change in the electricity industry.
Chairman, Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, USyd.
Outstanding leadership in International Telecommunications and Advanced Information & Communication Technology, including the creation and introduction of Telstra Big Pond.
Chair
Trevor Danos has shown strong leadership in bringing a passion for science and technology to a range of sectors, industries and stakeholders.
22
AUG
2025
Made in Australia: Our AI opportunity
Artificial intelligence is radically reshaping work, education and security in Australia, and is officially recognised as a critical technology in government policy. How we harness it will impact the nation’s economic prosperity, national security and continuing innovation.
