Government seeks consultation on the future of AI in Australia

The Australian Government has announced it is seeking feedback on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) training and large data centres in Australia.

The government believes AI has the potential to transform our economy, create new opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthen research and innovation, and improve the way Australians live and work, and that the country is well placed to seize this opportunity, with a highly skilled workforce, world-class research capability and a strong track record of attracting investment in digital infrastructure.

The Australian Government wants to build on these strengths and ensure Australia is an attractive destination for investment in the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of AI.

The government has announced it is holding a public consultation to better understand how Australia can help build the digital infrastructure and technologies that will shape our future while managing their impacts responsibly.

The consultation topics include:

• energy use and renewable energy requirements
• sustainable water use
• community engagement and project locations
• impacts on infrastructure and community
• developing workforce skills and training
• thresholds for applying requirements to different types of data centres.
   

Feedback will help inform future decision making and advice to government. Whether you have technical expertise, industry experience, or an interest in how AI infrastructure may affect your community, the government is encouraging participation.

This consultation is one of several ways the government is gathering feedback. Responses received through the submission form will be considered alongside targeted stakeholder engagement and ongoing work with Commonwealth, state and territory governments. Together, the feedback will help inform the development of Australia’s AI Standards.

The consultation period is already open and closes at 5 pm AEDT, Friday 9 October.

The consultation paper can be found here, and submissions can be made here.

More information on the Getting it right: Building AI infrastructure that works for Australia consultation is available here.

Image credit: iStock.com/imaginima

Originally published here.