Workforce capability holds the key to Australia’s AI success

Australia's new AI policy framework includes standards for the technology, because nothing says 'we've got this under control' like a fresh set of bureaucratic boxes to tick. The article's subtitle whispers a worrying caveat: 'questions remain about whether it will adequately value the people building and governing AI.' Oh, question remains — that marvellous phrase that means 'we haven't thought about it, but let's not let that spoil the press release.' One imagines the working group deciding that 'valuing people' was a problem for the next working group.

And what exactly does 'standards for the technology' mean in practice? Probably a lot of committees and consultations while the actual AI capability curve does its usual exponential sprint. The AFR piece itself notes that workforce capability is the key, which is a bit like saying 'the engine is important' while painting the car a lovely shade of blue. The tech standards are the paint job; the workforce is the engine that might actually drive innovation or, more likely, prevent catastrophic failure.

But hey, Australia is known for its 'she'll be right' approach to existential risk. The policy framework is a start, but if history is any guide, the people building and governing AI will be valued exactly as much as the last round of budget cuts allow. Which is to say, not very much at all — but at least the standards will be beautifully formatted. 🍸