Australia cannot ignore the impact of AI technology on the way we work, live, and conduct business. The rapid boom of generative AI over the past two years has thrust consumer applications and questions regarding the governance of this technology into the front of public consciousness around the world.

While the potential risks of AI technologies need to be addressed in any national approach to governance and regulation of the technology, TPDC urges the Australian Government to consider a balanced approach that embraces the significant potential benefits this technology can offer to the economy, productivity and efficiency across the nation. We also encourage Australia to be an active member of international collaborative efforts to manage AI risks, which will ensure that we realise these benefits as well as learn from, and coordinate with, international approaches to governance of AI technologies where appropriate.

TPDC recommends that the Australian Government:

1. Embrace the opportunity for economic, productivity and efficiency benefits offered by adopting AI technologies because the significant risks – such as those to democratic processes – can be managed (responding to terms of reference (ToR) d).
2. Adopt governance and regulation frameworks for AI technologies that are underpinned by the principles of a strong democracy (responding to ToR f).
3. Develop a Pledge for Transparent and Democratic Use of AI in Campaigning that encourages politicians to publicly commit to disclaiming any use of AI in their election advertising in order to maintain public trust and engagement in the election debate (responding to ToR f).
4. Increase education efforts to equip Australians of all ages with the digital literacy and critical thinking skills to use generative AI as just one tool in a suite of information-gathering habits (ToR d).
5. Encourage implementation of AI tools that (responding to ToR b, d & f): a. use civic engagement algorithms and remove harmful content. b. defend Australia’s free and fair electoral processes.
6. Ensure that Australia’s approach to establishing governance and regulatory frameworks for adopting AI technology is informed by international approaches, including insights into the links to national strategic priorities (responding to ToR c).