Australia’s AI Action Plan

June 2021

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Strategies and Action Plans

Australia’s AI Action Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to establish the nation as a global leader in developing and adopting AI responsibly and inclusively. The plan aims to position Australia as a leader in trusted and secure AI, driving productivity, creating jobs, solving real-world problems, and enabling industry transformation. It aligns with Australia’s broader Digital Economy Strategy, which envisions the country becoming a leading digital economy and society by 2030​​.

Key focus areas

  1. Developing and adopting AI to transform Australian businesses:
    • Actions include establishing a National AI Centre and AI and Digital Capability Centres to support businesses, particularly SMEs, in adopting AI.
    • Funding AI-focused projects under initiatives like the Catalysing the AI Opportunity in Regions program and Cooperative Research Centres Projects.
    • Building on existing measures like the Modern Manufacturing Strategy to scale up manufacturing and integrate AI​​.
  2. Creating an environment to grow and attract AI talent:
    • Programs like Next Generation AI Graduates aim to produce 234 job-ready AI specialists.
    • Investments to enhance digital skills, such as the Digital Skills Cadetship Trial and initiatives to support women in STEM and AI fields.
    • Scoping a University Research Commercialisation Scheme to bridge the gap between research and industry​​.
  3. Using cutting-edge AI technologies to solve national challenges:
    • The AI Solutions to Build a Stronger Australia program will develop AI-powered solutions for health, environmental, and economic challenges.
    • Investments in areas like medical AI research and Defence AI to address national security needs.
    • Leveraging the CSIRO’s Machine Learning and AI Future Science Platform to explore innovations like explainable AI for environmental protection​​.
  4. Making Australia a global leader in responsible and inclusive AI:
    • Implementation of AI Ethics Principles and measures to enhance public trust in AI technologies.
    • Promoting international collaboration to influence global AI standards and frameworks.
    • Supporting initiatives like the Next Generation Women in STEM to ensure inclusivity and diversity in AI development​​.

Budget and timeline

  • The Australian Government has allocated $124.1 million for targeted AI investments in 2021–22.
  • Key milestones include launching the National AI Centre and Capability Centres, rolling out regional grants, and initiating graduate training programs​​.

Expected outcomes

  • Increased adoption of AI by Australian businesses to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.
  • Development of a skilled AI workforce to meet growing industry demands.
  • Use of AI to address pressing national challenges, while fostering an ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem​​.

This multi-faceted plan highlights a collaborative approach involving government, industry, researchers, and the broader community to harness AI’s potential while addressing ethical, social, and economic considerations.