AI Month: experts call for responsible AI use in Australia
The advent of AI Month provides industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists in Australia a prime moment for reflection on the nation's progress with artificial intelligence (AI), and the vast potential it holds across various sectors. However, alongside the potential benefits, there is a pressing need for rigorous governance and expertise throughout AI's lifecycle—from development through to application—to ensure this fast-evolving technology is used responsibly.
Lisa Sarago, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Land on Heart, highlights the potential of AI in bridging the digital divide, particularly for Indigenous communities and those in rural and remote areas. She warns of the risks AI presents if its design lacks proactive inclusivity. "The solution is having diverse voices and thinkers at every stage of AI development, policymaking, implementation, and adoption," Sarago emphasised. She advocates for a cultural lens in AI development, which currently appears overlooked. "Imagine the innovative AI solutions if we included the culture of our First Peoples?" she posits, urging for greater diversity in AI innovation teams.
Paul Berkovic, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Rayven, addresses the challenges businesses encounter with AI, distinguishing much of what is considered AI as merely machine learning. "Real-time data is very doable today, yet many businesses are yet to embrace its full capabilities," states Berkovic. He contends that only by fully harnessing real-time data can businesses unlock AI's true potential, highlighting vast productivity and operational opportunities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, James Greenwood, Regional Vice President at Tanium, points to a notable increase in data breaches and highlights the struggle organisations face with growing vulnerability debt. "AI built on good data is the key to success," he asserts, underscoring AI's potential in automating vulnerability management. Automation in the IT workforce could mitigate security risks while improving work-life balance, marking a competitive advantage globally.
On data management, Alyssa Blackburn, Program Manager at AvePoint, discusses AI's transformative impact in automating complex data processes, enabling organisations to handle data securely and efficiently. However, she warns of the risks of not having a responsible implementation. "AI's ability to automate brings efficiency, but it also highlights the need for trust, transparency, and ethical use," Blackburn notes. She stresses that generative AI's effectiveness depends on access to up-to-date and relevant information, cautioning against the consequences of neglecting data quality.
James Ramsay, Principal Product Manager at Remote, envisions AI significantly impacting payroll processes, which are crucial as businesses expand globally. AI can streamline payroll, adapt to legislative changes, and improve accuracy, but data privacy and security remain paramount. "As businesses integrate AI into payroll systems, they must prioritise data privacy to protect sensitive employee information," Ramsay advises. With increased audits from the Australian Taxation Office, using AI for payroll compliance is more crucial than ever.
As AI continues to evolve, these industry insights converge on a fundamental message: while AI presents numerous opportunities for innovation and efficiency, adopting it responsibly is crucial. This involves embracing diversity, ensuring data quality, safeguarding privacy, and maintaining regulatory compliance. By doing so, businesses and organisations can fully leverage AI's capabilities, driving productivity and innovation across sectors while managing risks effectively.
