PAUL FLETCHER MP
Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts
Manager of Opposition Business in the House
THE HON DAVID COLEMAN MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
The Albanese Labor Government continues its meandering and indecisive approach to artificial intelligence policy, at a time when there is a clear need to provide clarity and direction.
Today’s announcement by Minister for Science Ed Husic that there will be another round of consultations is further evidence of Labor leaving this issue in the too hard basket.
Labor announced back in February 2024 the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group, including respected and knowledgeable Australians.
After more than two years in government and seven months after this advisory body was established, the best Labor can do is to issue yet another discussion paper.
Of course we need to be alive to the risks associated with this technology and its implications on legislation and regulations, but the Albanese Government must also provide leadership and start making decisions.
Holding roundtables, commissioning reports and announcing advisory bodies is not the dynamic action that is required on such a critical issue.
Australia is being left behind by other countries on developing serious policies related to AI.
An issue that deserves just as much attention is ensuring Australia does not fall behind globally in this competitive field. Australia produces fewer than 200 PhDs a year in AI.
This isn’t enough and we must grow our skilled AI workforce for Australia to stay competitive as AI continues to be taken up across the economy.