"The Federal Government's National AI Plan is a pragmatic and impactful strategy aimed at ensuring Australians benefit from the productivity enhancement of Artificial Intelligence while providing measured guardrails to avoid the pitfalls of its implementation," said Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.
"The focus on infrastructure is sensible and essential. As data centre growth skyrockets around the world, we need to ensure that access to energy and water is delivered in a measured way, without compromising the needs of other energy and water users, while ensuring that Australia does not miss out on the infrastructure that is essential in a digitalised economy.
"We are pleased the Government shares our view that Australia's existing technology-neutral legal frameworks are robust enough to protect people and businesses from perceived dangers of AI. The AI Safety Institute provides a dynamic safety net to ensure that regulators are informed as the technology shifts.
"Australia's productivity growth has been declining for a decade and has hovered near zero since the pandemic and insufficient investment in new technologies is a key factor. Australian Industry Group's analysis shows AI offers a critical opportunity to reverse this trend and empower industry and people for a better Australia.
"AI is not a distant concept – it's here, reshaping how businesses operate, innovate and care for their people. From streamlining supply chains to boosting workplace safety, AI is unlocking new levels of productivity and resilience. But with great power comes great responsibility – and Australian companies are showing how to adopt AI thoughtfully, ethically and in partnership with their people.
"This National AI Plan amplifies the efforts of Australian Industry Group to encourage and support widespread AI adoption, and we look forward to working with the Government to broaden its reach.
"AI represents a potential step change in the way businesses, and indeed, economies are run. It is essential that Australia approaches this opportunity with ambition and clear eyes, so as not to disadvantage future generations of Australians," Mr Willox said.
Media Enquiries:
Gemma Daley – 0418 148 821
