Australia’s AI Action Plan
June 2021
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.