Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, together with Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), have jointly announced the launch of Australia’s first ecosystem, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network, aimed at supporting local firms in using and creating ethical and safe artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The network, which will aim to uplift Australian industry practice of responsible AI, will centre on six collar pillars, including law, standards, principles, governance, leadership and technology, with an overarching goal to help local businesses take advantage of opportunities presented by AI technologies.

The AI network, established by the National AI Centre, includes initial ‘knowledge partners’, including the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), CEDA, CSIRO’s Data61, Standards Australia, The Ethics Centre, The Gradient Institute, The Human technology Institute and the Tech Council of Australia.

“No country in the world has yet worked out responsible AI, but Australia is taking a big step forward by collaborating across the ecosystem to share best practice and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape,” National AI Centre Director Stela Solar said.

Solar stressed that Australia had a “sliding doors moment” to build a competitive advantage in responsible AI and equip its businesses with the toolkit to deploy safe AI solutions, further noting that many organisations continue to struggle with data quality, privacy and security in navigating international standards when implementing AI systems.

“As first movers on AI ethics principles and with our world-leading research capability in responsible AI, Australia has a natural advantage.

“AI will only be as good as we lead it, and through the Responsible AI Network we will empower industry leaders with the expert guidance and content to navigate their organisations through the evolving AI landscape,” she said.