Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic will represent Australia at the United Kingdom’s AI Safety Summit, to discuss the importance of AI safety and transparency if we’re to boost community trust and harness its benefits.

Minister Husic will participate in Ministers’ level discussions at the Summit on 1-2 November. Australia’s attendance at the summit reinforces our credibility and leadership driving the safe and responsible use of AI. 

At the summit, Minister Husic will highlight work already underway in Australia, discuss possible guardrails to support AI transparency, accountability and fairness, as well as highlight Australia’s world-leading AI capabilities.

While in the United Kingdom, Minister Husic will meet with counterparts to explore collaboration opportunities on a range of critical and emerging technologies, including quantum and robotics. 

Australia has made a number of investments in technology development and uplift, including $75.7 million of new and continuing funding allocated for AI initiatives and $60 million for programs aimed at growing the Australian quantum sector. 

The Government is also targeting $1 billion for critical technologies through the National Reconstruction Fund, and $392 million for the Industry Growth Program for startups and SMEs. 

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“The UK AI Summit is important and timely. It brings leaders from around the world, and across government, academia and industry, to explore solutions to better ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.

“In Australia, we recognise that AI and automation can provide a massive opportunity to boost productivity, but this will only be possible if the right guardrails are in place to build public trust."