Australia to 'accelerate' broad adoption of AI under new national plan
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
The federal government has agreed to pause the mandatory guardrails on artificial intelligence and accelerate the adoption of the technology under the first national plan released today.
The plan initially meant to strengthen rules around the rapidly evolving technology amid growing distrust, with the former minister Ed Husic saying 10 guardrails were under development last year.
But earlier this year, the Productivity Commission called for the guardrails to be put on hold to allow a review into current laws to be completed, which could prevent the stifling of a potential $116 billion boost to the economy.
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The government has now walked away from that plan and shifted its wary stance to one that hopes to harness "the full potential of AI".
The plan will "accelerate the broad development and adoption of AI" to benefit all Australians, including First Nations people and regional communities.
It will work in three parts: to capture the economic opportunity, distribute the benefits across the economy and keep the country safe from risks and harm.
The government will do this by developing data centres and creating arrangements with leading companies to help build the digital infrastructure to support AI.
It will also build a capable workforce through consultation with unions, training and support, resources and fit-for-purpose workplace protections.
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And from next year, a $29.9 million AI Safety Institute will monitor the development of the technology and advise agencies, industry and government on their response.
Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said AI will close gaps in essential services, improve education and employment outcomes and create well-paid jobs in the future.
"The National AI Plan is about making sure technology serves Australians, not the other way around," he said.
"As the technology continues to evolve, we will continue to refine and strengthen this plan to seize new opportunities and act decisively to keep Australians safe."
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