Research & insights
What Australians think about AI
Minderoo Foundation commissioned research to understand Australians' sentiment towards artificial intelligence and regulation.
The research found that Australians see the potential benefits of AI but believe those benefits depend on clear, fair and transparent rules.
The biggest risk to progress isn’t the technology itself, but inaction. Without responsible regulation, public trust will erode and Australians will demand stricter controls even if it limits innovation.
Key Findings
Nearly two thirds of Australians feel the pace of AI is too fast.
The survey found that 63% of Australians felt the pace of AI was too fast, compared to 30% who felt it was about right. Young people were more likely to feel the pace of AI is right.
Age Breakdown
Women were more likely to say it is moving too fast (66%) than men (59%).
Most Australians prefer a balanced but firm approach to AI regulation.
53% of Australians prefer a balanced but firm approach: one that protects people while allowing innovation. Only 5% favour minimal rules. Those who currently use AI were more likely favour a balanced approach (66%).
Younger respondents were more likely to say balanced.
When a balanced option isn’t offered, support for strict regulation rises to 69%
In the absence of a middle ground, nearly seven in ten respondents back strict stronger safeguards, even if it means slowing technological innovation or limiting the economic benefits.
More Australians look to government to set the rules, over tech companies or any other group
38% believe government should lead in managing AI risks, well ahead of tech companies (27%) or international bodies (9%).
Potential benefits
Productivity gains (67%), better healthcare outcomes (61%) and safer cars (51%) were seen as some of the top potential benefits of AI.
Concerns about AI
Concerns about job displacement (84%), AI-generated mis- and dis-information (80%) and loss of privacy (78%).
The research is clear: Well-defined, balanced rules and strong safeguards are essential to earning public trust and unlocking AI’s full potential.
