New consultation to forge a responsible AI revolution in Australia

Digital & Innovation: In a move to foster the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Australia, the Albanese Government has unveiled a new consultation aimed at ensuring the safe and responsible utilisation of AI in healthcare and other sectors. Two papers have been released, marking the beginning of a national discussion to establish appropriate safeguards surrounding these critical technologies.

Inspired by similar measures taken by countries such as the UK, US, EU, and China, the government is determined to comprehend and potentially mitigate the risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI. The discussion paper Safe and Responsible AI in Australia delves into existing regulatory and governance responses both within Australia and abroad. It identifies potential gaps and proposes a range of options to fortify the framework governing the secure and ethical use of AI.

In parallel, the National Science and Technology Council has released the Rapid Response Report: Generative AI on Thursday (delivered to the government three months ago, in March), which provides a scientific foundation for deliberations on the future of AI. The report extensively assesses the potential risks and opportunities associated with AI, offering invaluable insights into the path forward.

To reinforce its commitment, the Labor government recently allocated $41 million investment in the latest budget, specifically earmarked for the responsible development of AI. These funds will be channelled into the establishment of the National AI Centre and the introduction of the Responsible AI Adopt program, designed to empower small and medium enterprises in embracing AI technologies responsibly.

Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, expressed the delicate nature of navigating the safe and responsible utilisation of AI. He acknowledged the immense potential of AI in diverse areas such as combatting superbugs with AI-developed antibiotics and preventing online fraud. However, Minister Husic stressed the crucial need for appropriate safeguards to protect against potential risks and build trust and public confidence in these critical technologies.

“Using AI safely and responsibly is a balancing act the whole world is grappling with at the moment,” he said.

Professor Enrico Coiera, Director of the Centre for Health Informatics in the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, and Founder of the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, said “We do need to put a pause on the use of non-medical grade AI in clinical practice. Systems such as ChatGPT are not designed for use in clinical settings, and have not been tested to be used safely in any aspect of patient care. Australia already regulates medical-grade AI that is used in devices through the TGA, and we need to communicate very clearly to consumers and clinicians that any AI that has not gone through rigorous testing is not considered fit for use in patient-facing settings.”

Diverging approaches are evident among global players when it comes to AI regulation. The UK has adopted a sector-by-sector approach, allowing regulatory bodies to determine the best practices for compliance. This means, for example, that the MHRA will consider what is appropriate in the field of medicines and medical devices. Conversely, the EU has embraced a horizontal cross-sector regulation-led strategy, intending to apply a uniform set of rules across all sectors. This demonstrates the complexity surrounding AI governance and the necessity for Australia to chart its own path in line with national interests.

A joint statement from Shadow Minister for Science Paul Fletcher and Shadow Minister for Communications David Coleman welcomed the consultation, highlighting the profound consequences AI development, particularly generative AI, can have on Australia. The Ministers emphasised the need for the government to play a role in mitigating risks without stifling innovation, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach.

Shadow Ministers Fletcher and Coleman argued that for the Australian economy to succeed, the nation would also need to “succeed in AI” and called for efforts to support a flourishing sector so that Australia was not merely an AI user. To achieve this, they said, adequate intellectual property (IP) measures would need to be put in place to protect creators in relevant sectors like the media, they said.

“The government should also act quickly to ensure that the intellectual property of Australian businesses is protected in an AI world. Generative AI models are likely drawing on the intellectual property of Australian companies today, without paying any compensation to those IP owners,” they said.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has also voiced its support for the government’s discussion paper, recognising it as a critical step toward safeguarding society. However, it stressed the importance of planning and mitigating potential harms. ATSE views this consultation as a crucial opportunity to leverage Australia’s world-class research, regulatory frameworks, and early adoption of AI Ethics Principles to become a global leader in responsible AI.

Kylie Walker, CEO of ATSE, stressed the need to examine both the opportunities and risks of widespread AI adoption, evaluate the adequacy of planning and policies, and consider the implications of increasing geopolitical competition in AI-related technologies and industries.

Ms Walker also highlighted the importance of a common-sense regulatory approach that recognises the value of AI in enhancing economic productivity, health, and social wellbeing. She called for a thorough examination of the environmental costs associated with AI, including the substantial power and water requirements and resource consumption during hardware upgrades. Additionally, Ms Walker emphasised the ethical use of data, emphasising the principles of privacy, security, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

The collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and policymakers will play a crucial role in shaping a future where Australia harnesses the benefits of AI while ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens and the protection of national interests.

Have your say on Supporting responsible AI: discussion paper by 4 August, 2023.

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