Federal govt opens submissions over safe use of AI

The federal government has opened submissions over how it can support the safe and responsible use of AI.

The Albanese government said they will use the feedback to inform consideration across government on any appropriate regulatory and policy responses.

These will build on the government’s existing multimillion investment in responsible AI through the 2023–24 Budget.

The government is taking submissions over voluntary approaches, like tools, frameworks and principles, and enforceable regulatory approaches, like laws and mandatory standards.

Ed Husic, minister for industry and science said, “Using AI safely and responsibly is a balancing act the whole world is grappling with at the moment. The upside is massive, whether it’s fighting superbugs with new AI-developed antibiotics or preventing online fraud.”

Husic said there needs to be appropriate safeguards to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.

“We’ve made a good start, thanks to the government’s $41 million investment in AI for industry and our strong advocacy in this space,” he said.

“Today is about what we do next to build trust and public confidence in these critical technologies.”

To bolster these submissions, the Albanese government released two papers to begin a discussion to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in relation to these critical technologies.

The government’s Safe and Responsible AI in Australia Discussion Paper canvasses existing regulatory and governance responses in Australia and overseas, identifies potential gaps and proposes several options to strengthen the framework governing the safe and responsible use of AI.

The National Science and Technology Council’s paper Rapid Response Report: Generative AI assesses potential risks and opportunities in relation to AI, providing a scientific basis for discussions about the way forward.

In this year’s budget, the federal government invested $41 million for the responsible development of AI through the National AI Centre and a new Responsible AI Adopt program for small and medium enterprises.

Submissions close July 26.