08.08.2018Committee for Melbourne hails historic first Victorian All-Party Parliamentary meeting on Artificial Intelligence

Today, the inaugural Victorian All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence (VAPPGAI) meeting was held at the Victorian Parliament.

“In March 2018, Committee for Melbourne helped bring together all of the Victorian Parliament through the establishment of the VAPPGAI to discuss the critical and transformative nature of Artificial Intelligence”, said Committee for Melbourne CEO, Martine Letts.

“We are so proud to witness its first meeting today”, noted Ms Letts.

“The introduction of AI in our economy and community is an emerging, yet crucial policy issue. It requires a prominent and informed public debate”.

During the meeting, co-convened by the Victorian Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, The Hon. Philip Dalidakis MP, and Shadow Minister for Innovation, David Southwick MP, our state’s elected representatives came together to consider a sound and informed regulatory framework around AI.

Committee for Melbourne, through its membership, presented Subject Matter Expert Partner and Chief Data Scientist at PwC Australia, Matt Kuperholz who briefed representatives on the nature and complexities of AI, including its various uses, opportunities, impacts and implications for Victoria, and Australia.

“AI will play a huge part in how we do business and conduct our lives in the future, so it’s important that politicians are discussing the challenges and opportunities that will arise as this technology develops”, said Minister Dalidakis.

“How we respond to AI will impact all aspects of the Victorian community. Victoria has the chance to position itself as a global leader in this field to build new industries and future jobs and opportunities”, added Shadow Minister Southwick.

Recognised as a Strategic Need also in the Committee’s landmark Melbourne 4.0 report, the Committee recently formed a dedicated AI Taskforce made up of its cross-sectoral membership.

This taskforce will provide a set of recommendations for State and Federal governments and will cover key focus areas, including: data; infrastructure; skills; innovation and entrepreneurship; trade; governance and security.

“The impact of AI will be tremendous, we cannot afford to be left behind”, said Ms Letts.

-ENDS-

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