ATSE’s submission considers that a coordinated response is needed to adopt and regulate AI and ensure continued public participation in AI-related decisions. AI can grow industries to be globally competitive and create new and high-paying jobs.
ATSE’s submission considers that a coordinated response is needed to adopt and regulate AI and ensure continued public participation in AI-related decisions. AI can grow industries to be globally competitive and create new and high-paying jobs. Key opportunities for application of AI in Australia include technology, finance, healthcare, education and government services. Broadly, several regulatory risks need to be addressed by the Australian Government. These risks can include privacy concerns, threats to democracy, inadvertent discrimination (e.g. where AI inadvertently amplifies social bias), dependence on AI (leading to a loss of creativity), and AI-generated content driving the spread of false information.
To take advantage of the opportunities, ATSE’s submission recommends that Australia needs to focus on building a pipeline of AI-literate workers, starting with adequate AI education in schools. AI-associated education frameworks must consider environmental sustainability, guiding education departments to roll out AI technologies with energy efficiency in mind and to minimise electronic waste.
Recommendation 1: Prioritise government investment in artificial intelligence in key industries (such as technology, finance, healthcare, education and government).
Recommendation 2: Implement healthcare-specific AI frameworks to facilitate the safe and secure delivery of benefits such as personalised care, early disease detection and remote monitoring capabilities.
Recommendation 3: Implement a risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems, as committed by the Safe and Responsible AI review.
Recommendation 4: Strengthen international engagements to ensure the safe and responsible deployment of AI.
Recommendation 5: Foster an AI-literate workforce by continuing to invest in AI upskilling, encouraging partnerships, and by providing tax incentives for businesses.
Recommendation 6: Consider environmental sustainability in rolling out AI education in schools by investing in long-term and sustainable infrastructure.
To fully realise the benefits of generative AI, both students and teachers must be confident in its usage. Students must develop the skills to engage with this emerging technology throughout their education, and teachers should be supported with professional development to improve their pedagogy with the power of generative AI.
Australia is faced with a national skills crisis.The Fellows at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) have identified five key areas that require immediate attention if we are to unlock the country’s technological potential.
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