Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP is helping local small businesses harness the potential of artificial intelligence in a safe and responsible.

Ms Coker said she did not want local businesses to miss out on the opportunities that AI presents and that’s why the Albanese Government is establishing up to 5 AI Adopt Centres across Australia to train small business with the AI skills they need to work better and smarter.

She said she had been seeking applications from large tech businesses within her electorate, along with industry partners and researchers to deliver training and upskilling packages to constituents.

The program will complement other priority areas that support our economy, such as the National Reconstruction Fund and the Industry Growth Program and drive the nation toward the reality of 1.2 million tech related jobs by 2025.

“Tech skills like AI can help us build a future made in Australia,’’ Ms Coker said.

“We understand the value of artificial intelligence and understand that Australians want to see the risks identified and tackled,” Ms Coker said.

“The Albanese Government has moved quickly to consult with the public and industry on how to do this, so we can start building the trust and transparency in AI that Australians expect.”

The move comes in conjunction with the Australian Government’s recent release of its interim response to the Safe and Responsible AI in Australia consultation.

The consultation made clear that while AI had immense potential to improve wellbeing and grow the economy, but Australians wanted stronger protections in place to help manage the risks.

Ms Coker said the Government’s response was targeted towards the use of AI in high-risk settings, where harms could be difficult to reverse, while ensuring that the vast majority of low-risk AI use continues to flourish largely unimpeded.

She said the Government was now considering mandatory guardrails for AI development and deployment in high-risk settings, whether through changes to existing laws or the creation of new AI specific laws.

While consultations will continue on possible mandatory guardrails, immediate actions are being taken including:

• working with industry to develop a voluntary AI Safety Standard;
• working with industry to develop options for voluntary labelling and watermarking of AI-generated materials;
• establishing an expert advisory group to support the development of options for mandatory guardrails.

Mandatory guardrails to promote the safe design, development and deployment of AI systems will be considered, including possible requirements relating to:

• Testing - testing of products to ensure safety before and after release.
• Transparency – transparency regarding model design and data underpinning AI applications; labelling of AI systems in use and/or watermarking of AI generated content.
• Accountability –training for developers and deployers of AI systems, possible forms of certification, and clearer expectations of accountability for organisations developing, deploying and relying on AI systems.

Australia is closely monitoring how other countries are responding to the challenges of AI, including initial efforts in the EU, US and Canada. Building on its engagement at the UK AI Safety Summit in November, the Government will continue to work with other countries to shape international efforts in this area.

The Government’s response to the Safe and Responsible AI in Australia discussion paper is available on the website of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources at: https://consult.industry.gov.au/supporting-responsible-ai