AI Safety Institute a welcome first step towards seizing our AI opportunity

ATSE welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement today that it will establish an AI Safety Institute, which was a recommendation of ATSE’s Unleashing growth: Australia’s AI Investment blueprint report. 

The report, released publicly last week in partnership with global management consulting firm Kearney, called for the development of an AI safety institute that focuses on researching risks of AI and supporting legislators and business on topics ranging from model security to AI-driven criminal activity. 

“We’re pleased to see the Government take up ATSE’s recommendation,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker. 

“Our Unleashing growth report outlines a clear blueprint for Australia to invest in AI and become an AI powerhouse. 

“The AI Safety Institute announcement is an important first step; we hope that it will form part of a comprehensive AI capability strategy that also incorporates our other important recommendations. 

“AI can add up to $235 billion to Australia’s economy over the coming decade – but only if we get it right and act now to invest in talent and infrastructure. 

“In addition to important governance and safety measures like the AI safety institute, ATSE calls for targeted investment in a network of regional AI factories, building a national AI talent pipeline, and developing population-scale AI training. 

“We look forward to seeing the Government’s full National AI Capability Plan, and will continue to advocate for Australia to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to be a world leader in AI – on our terms and in our national interest.”