“The Federal Government’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capability Plan released today is a welcome focus on how to prepare for what is set to be a major game-changing technology for the national economy and Australian workplaces,” said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, the Australian Industry Group.
“While there will undoubtedly be significant disruption and change, we must see AI as an opportunity to make businesses more productive and people’s jobs easier and to secure our economic future.
“We need to work now to build our skills base to ensure we make the most of the opportunities that artificial intelligence provides. This includes boosting management knowledge and capability, improving the skills of the existing workforce and looking to improve the capabilities of the emerging workforce.
“Many businesses across Australia are already incorporating artificial intelligence into their workplace, ranging from improving record keeping, interacting with customers and increasing production capacity.
“The plan is right to focus on how artificial intelligence can grow resilience, strengthen capabilities, boost skills and secure economic growth, but we also must make sure we do not leave small businesses behind.
“Small businesses have so far been relatively slow to take up artificial intelligence as part of their regular processes, citing concerns around cost, training, resourcing and uncertainty around processes. It is clear small business can derive a significant productivity boost once artificial intelligence is adapted.
“To give business the certainty it needs to invest in processes and skills, it needs regulatory certainty from governments around the adaption and use of artificial intelligence. Providing this certainty to encourage people investment should be a priority of governments.
“Everyone has a role to play, and we look forward to working with the government to support artificial intelligence into the future as an enabler and a way to help boost our productivity,” Mr Willox said.
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