In a groundbreaking move, South Australia is set to launch a royal commission aimed at thoroughly investigating the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence (AI). Premier Peter Malinauskas announced this initiative following his recent engagements with major AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Apple in the United States. This inquiry, the first of its kind at a national level, seeks to address both the promising advantages and potential hazards associated with AI technologies.
The inquiry’s framework will be detailed in the coming weeks, with the recruitment of three expert commissioners anticipated to begin their work in October, tasked with delivering a comprehensive report to the government by July 1. Malinauskas emphasized the importance of selecting commissioners who possess not only a robust background in public policy but also a deep understanding of technological advancements and their future impact on the workforce. “Equally as important as the people who lead the royal commission will be the terms of reference,” he noted, recognizing that a well-defined scope will be crucial for the inquiry’s success.
The financial outlay for this royal commission is projected to be around $3 million—a sum Malinauskas described as “chicken feed” when juxtaposed against the broader societal costs posed by unregulated AI. He articulated a compelling vision: “It is absolutely clear that the use of artificial intelligence is an exciting opportunity to advance the cause of humanity,” while also cautioning that unchecked AI could pose significant risks to societal structure and the future of work. Recent studies indicate that up to 70% of jobs could be impacted by AI technologies in the next two decades, underscoring the urgency of this inquiry.
During his trip, Malinauskas observed that the majority of his discussions revolved around AI and its infrastructure, underscoring a critical point: “Data centres are simply an infrastructure play. The main game regarding artificial intelligence is … how the technology is deployed in our society.” He argued that it is the responsibility of governments to establish robust policies that prioritize human welfare in the evolving landscape of AI technologies.
Reflecting on his experiences with AI tools, Malinauskas expressed both awe and concern. “I’ve started fiddling around with Claude and ChatGPT. It’s impossible to not be utterly impressed by its capability,” he admitted. However, he also raised alarms about the potential displacement of creative industries by AI, revealing a deep-seated worry about the educational implications of technology. “I hate the idea of kids graduating from high school and they’ve learned how to use ChatGPT, but not how to read, write, and do arithmetic … or how to communicate with one another. We’ve got to get the balance right here,” he said, illustrating the delicate interplay between technological advancement and foundational education.
Malinauskas’s government has previously taken a firm stance on digital safety, having implemented a social media ban for those under 16. He remarked that the ramifications of mismanaged AI could dwarf those of social media, stating, “Frankly, I think AI gone bad will make social media look like a walk in the park.” This assertion reflects a growing consensus among experts that the ethical and practical challenges posed by AI require urgent and thorough examination.
As the inquiry progresses, it will be essential to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including technologists, educators, and ethicists, to ensure that the resulting policies and frameworks reflect a balanced approach to harnessing AI’s potential while safeguarding societal values. The outcome of this royal commission could set a precedent not just for Australia, but for nations grappling with similar questions about the future of work, education, and the role of technology in our lives.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
