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A new report outlines a national blueprint to boost productivity and shape Australia as a global artificial intelligence leader.
The Business Council of Australia has released what it calls a “landmark report” outlining its vision for turning Australia into an artificial intelligence powerhouse.
The report, Accelerating Australia’s AI Agenda, was released on 2 June and calls on the government to create “clear, practical and risk-based AI regulations that encourage innovation” in order to drive innovation, boost living standards, and address the country’s lagging productivity rate.
“The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind,” BCA chief executive Bran Black said in a statement.
“We need to be training more AI specialists, data scientists and engineers, while also educating the entire workforce on how we can improve the day-to-day work experience.”
The report contains several recommendations across a three-year roadmap that begins in July 2025, including simplifying data centre approvals, establishing a national AI Research Consortium to drive cooperation between universities and businesses, standardised AI courses at all levels of education, and expanding the support the National AI Centre can provide to small to medium businesses.
The BCA would also like to see an Australian AI Safety Institute established to oversee best practices and international cooperation around technical AI safety. Investment in AI R&D should be a priority in order to establish Australia as a trusted AI hub. Secure data-sharing frameworks should also be established and expanded to boost AI innovation in both the public and private sectors.
“Even if we apply AI to just the ‘boring but essential’ parts of our economy – like payroll processing or document analysis – the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant,” Black said.
“AI-enabled productivity means freeing people to do more of the high-value work machines can’t, like creativity, collaboration and care.
“At the same time, we must acknowledge that change is disruptive and can often be challenging for many people, and that’s why recommendations such as an Australian AI Safety Institute are so important.
“This is Australia’s moment to embrace the opportunity for growth, and that’s how we’ll build a future where AI strengthens our economy, empowers our people, and improves lives.”
You can read the full report here.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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