Government's interim response
The Australian Government published its interim response to this consultation on 17 January 2024.
The interim response covers:
what we heard from stakeholders
how the government will ensure AI is designed, developed and deployed safely and responsibly.
Read the government’s interim response [1.4 MB PDF] [9.6 MB DOCX]
Overview
We want your views on how the Australian Government can mitigate any potential risks of AI and support safe and responsible AI practices.
AI is already improving many aspects of our lives. But the speed of innovation in AI could pose new risks, which creates uncertainty and gives rise to public concerns.
Australia has strong foundations to be a leader in responsible AI. We have world-leading AI research capabilities and are early movers in the trusted use of digital technologies. Australia established the world’s first eSafety Commissioner in 2015 to safeguard Australian citizens online and was one of the earliest countries to adopt a national set of AI Ethics Principles. This consultation will help ensure Australia continues to support responsible AI practices to increase community trust and confidence.
Australia is not the only country looking at ways to mitigate any emerging risks of technologies such as AI. Some jurisdictions favour voluntary approaches, while others are pursuing more rigorous regulations.
This discussion paper focuses on governance mechanisms to ensure AI is developed and used safely and responsibly in Australia. These mechanisms can include regulations, standards, tools, frameworks, principles and business practices. The paper builds on the recent Rapid Research Report on Generative AI delivered by the government’s National Science and Technology Council.
We will use your feedback to inform consideration across government on any appropriate regulatory and policy responses. These will build on the government’s multimillion investment in responsible AI through the 2023–24 Budget. The right measures will foster the public trust Australia needs to fully realise the benefits of AI.