Australia is strengthening its position in the AI market by developing a National AI Capability Plan. This effort intends to boost innovation, attract investments, and increase workforce skills as the government strives to become more competitive in the rapidly expanding global AI sector.
On December 16, Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, revealed that the plan will focus on expanding the AI ecosystem through upskilling initiatives, boosting investments, and nurturing new research across businesses and universities. Husic emphasized the necessity of using AI to strengthen key infrastructure and protect supply chains, noting that partnership with businesses, workers, and communities will be required to achieve these objectives.
As part of the initiative, the government will conduct a review of current state and federal programs to measure their success in promoting AI adoption. It will also focus on enhancing AI literacy and providing chances for worker training and retraining. The program fits with forecasts that AI and automation could add hundreds of billions of dollars to Australia’s GDP by 2030, with the country already home to over 650 AI-focused businesses.
We plan to complete the study by late 2025, after extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public. However, some experts worry that the projected timescale is too slow to keep up with the tremendous rate of AI breakthroughs around the globe. Simon Bush, CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), highlighted the need for immediate action. He proposed pushing the date to mid-2025, saying that financing delays until 2027 could jeopardize Australia’s capacity to compete in the global AI race.
Bush acknowledged Australia’s conservative attitude to AI adoption, citing worries about regulation and implementation. He advocated for a balanced strategy that not only protects citizens with adequate protections but also encourages innovation, investment, and adoption of AI technologies across industries.
The National AI Capability Plan is an important step toward placing Australia as a leader in the AI sector. Accelerating the timescale could allow the country to capitalize on prospects in this innovative field, ensuring long-term economic and technological growth.
