Australian Council of Trade Unions leader Sally McManus backed the prime minister, revealing that she had been lobbying Labor to clarify workplace laws to make clear that companies must consult unions before technologies are introduced in the workforce. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume warned about the prospect of greater powers for unions, setting up brawls on industrial policy and the AI legislation. The debate over AI regulation is set to intensify as the government moves towards introducing legislation next year, with both sides of politics positioning themselves on the issue. The Greens have also entered the fray, calling for a temporary moratorium on AI development in high-risk sectors until safeguards are in place.
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The new AI framework includes a national advisory council comprising experts from technology, ethics, law and civil society, which will provide ongoing guidance to the government. The council will be co-chaired by the chief scientist and a representative from the tech industry, ensuring a balance of perspectives. The government has also committed to reviewing the framework every two years to keep pace with rapid technological advances. Early feedback from industry has been cautiously positive, with tech companies welcoming the regulatory clarity, though some have raised concerns about compliance costs and the potential for over-regulation that could stifle innovation.
As Australia charts its course on AI, the government is also engaging with international partners, including the US, UK and EU, to align standards and share best practices. The PM’s office has confirmed that AI will be a key topic at the upcoming G20 summit, where Australia will push for a global framework on ethical AI. Domestically, the government faces the challenge of balancing the economic potential of AI with the need to protect workers, consumers and democratic institutions. The framework unveiled at Sydney University is just the first step in what promises to be a long and complex policy journey, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Australia reaps the benefits of AI while minimising its risks.
