Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will build new industries and transform existing ones, unlock new jobs, and tackle national issues according to a new report released today by the Morrison Government.

The roadmap, developed by CSIRO’s Data61, highlights opportunities for AI to solve some of Australia’s biggest national challenges.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said AI technologies would be powerful tools to boost economic growth and make life better for everyday Australians.

“AI has the potential to provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits, while creating jobs, driving productivity and increasing business competitiveness,” Minister Andrews said.

“We have an opportunity as a nation to draw on our research strengths and expertise across industries to build and use AI technologies to address national issues like drought, energy stability and health.”

The report identifies three areas where Australia is well positioned to use AI technologies to transform existing industries and build new ones:

• for better health, aged care and disability service – to reduce healthcare costs, improve wellbeing and make quality aged care accessible for all Australians;
• for better towns, cities and infrastructure – to improve the safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and quality of the built environment; and
• for better natural resource management – to enhance our natural resource management, reduce the costs and improve the productivity of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and environmental management.

The report also suggests areas of focus to advance the development and adoption of AI technologies in Australia including skills, infrastructure, research, regulation and data governance.

“This report continues the conversation the Morrison Government is leading with our businesses, researchers, and the community to ensure the actions we take benefit all Australians,” Minister Andrews said.

The roadmap is the outcome of extensive consultation workshops across the country and guidance from a steering committee of experts from industry, academia and government.

It follows the recent release of the Australian Government’s AI Ethics Framework, which sets out eight key principles to guide organisations developing or adopting artificial intelligence technologies in Australia.

The release of the roadmap coincides with Techtonic: Shaping Australia’s AI Future, Australia’s inaugural AI summit at Old Parliament House today.

Techtonic brings together leading AI experts from around the country to help build a strong AI ecosystem in Australia and maximise the benefits of AI for Australians.

To read the roadmap visit https://www.data61.csiro.au/en/Our-Research/Our-Work/AI-Roadmap

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070