Australia’s leading tech and engineering academy has welcomed the Australian Government’s new Office of AI and said it must focus on investing in the people, standards and infrastructure needed to compete globally.
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) said the new office is an important step towards nationally coordinated AI policy but governance alone will not secure Australia's long-term competitiveness.
Legislated national AI standards reflect the recommendation in ATSE's AI Investment Blueprint, released last year. The Blueprint also calls for greater investment in Australia's AI workforce, sovereign capability and enabling infrastructure.
ATSE's Investment Blueprint found AI is now a source of national competitiveness, with global AI investment expected to approach AU$3 trillion this year. Australia has invested just over AU$300 million over the past five years, while several comparable economies have committed more than ten times that amount.
“ATSE welcomes the Government's intention to establish nationally consistent requirements for data centres, including energy and water obligations. As demand for data centres grows, investment must also support renewable energy, water-efficient technologies and technologies that can make this digital infrastructure more sustainable and that deliver long-term benefits for local communities.
“ATSE looks forward to working with the Australian Government to strengthen national coordination of AI policy and ensure Australia captures the economic opportunities presented by AI while maintaining public trust.”
“Once the regulatory framework is developed the next challenge is ensuring we have the engineers, researchers and skilled workforce to turn AI opportunities into Australian capability, Australian jobs and Australian exports.”
Additional background information: ATSE recently made a submission to a NSW inquiry into data centres. ATSE has also published a Made in Australia AI action statement.
Media enquiries: Dan Wheelahan – 0435 930 465 – dan.wheelahan@atse.org.au
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is a Learned Academy of independent experts helping Australians understand and use technology to solve complex problems.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly establishing itself as the engine of a new industrial revolution, reshaping economies, industries and societies worldwide. Global investment in AI is accelerating toward AU$3 trillion by 2026. Australia has invested just over AU$300 million over the last five years.
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