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.
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
| 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, ATSE NSW Division Chair Panelists
|
| 11:15 |
Morning Tea |
| 11:30 |
Session 2 – Industry perspectives Moderator: Chris Vonwiller, former Chairman of Appen Panelist:
|
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 13:15 |
Session 3 – Implications for productivity Panelists:
|
| 14:15 |
Session 4 – Legal, ethical and social impacts Moderator: Trevor Danos Panelists:
|
| 15:15 | Afternoon tea |
| 15:30 |
Session 5 – Wrap up Panelists:
|
| 16:15-17:00 | Closing drinks |
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.
