Open letter for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve lives, from boosting productivity to transforming healthcare, education and environmental management around the world.

But this technology is advancing faster than our laws and institutions can keep pace.

Without the right safeguards, AI could amplify inequality, deepen bias, erode trust and displace human accountability.

Australia has an opportunity to lead as part of a global movement towards a balanced approach to AI that enables innovation while protecting people, communities and the environment.

Some protections must be non-negotiable. Children’s safety, universal access to healthcare and the integrity of financial systems must be upheld as AI becomes more deeply embedded in our everyday lives. We cannot afford to wait for new technology to define the rules.

Shaping a responsible future for AI will take international coordination, aligning standards, sharing best practice and learning from others so that AI systems are safe, inclusive and aligned with shared human values.

Governments can act now by embedding AI considerations into existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, addressing harms as they emerge and ensuring accountability from the outset.
We call for:

• Balanced and enforceable rules that enable innovation while ensuring AI is developed and deployed responsibly.
• Immediate action within existing laws across consumer protection, privacy, discrimination, health and financial regulation to close clear gaps, prevent harm and align with emerging global norms.
• Mandatory transparency and accountability so that those designing and using AI systems can be held responsible for their impacts.

This is not a call to slow progress, but a call to guide it. Together, we can ensure people are protected while AI delivers lasting benefits across communities, economies and the environment.