The Australian Government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR).
Officially opened by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, the centre aims to address the challenges of AI adoption while supporting Australia’s efforts to establish global leadership in responsible AI practices.
Backed by an initial $20 million investment from CSIRO, the South Australian Government, and the University of Adelaide, RAIR will focus on world-leading research to address misinformation risks, incorporate diverse perspectives, and enhance AI’s ability to explain its actions.
“We know AI can be hugely helpful for Australian businesses, but the benefits of AI can only be realised when it can be trusted,” said Minister Husic.
“AI and automation could generate between $170-$600 billion each year towards Australia’s GDP by 2030, so it’s crucial that local businesses can rely on the latest research to use AI safely.”
Located at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation precinct, the RAIR Centre will bring together expertise from CSIRO’s Data61 and the University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML).
Research will span four key themes, including developing AI systems that tackle misinformation, ensuring AI safety in real-world applications, creating diverse AI capable of understanding its limitations, and building AI that explains its decisions through cause-and-effect reasoning.
Deputy Premier of South Australia Susan Close emphasized the societal and economic importance of the initiative.
“Given its increasing prominence and importance in our society and economy, AI must use algorithms, guidelines, systems, and case studies that promote human values and trust,” she said.
“The Responsible AI Research Centre will have national and international impact and reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a recognised leader in artificial intelligence research.”
The South Australian Government has committed $5 million to the RAIR Centre, in addition to $6 million allocated earlier this year to AIML to support AI-enabled business innovation and productivity improvements.
“The RAIR Centre will further support our efforts to tackle some of the biggest concerns around AI,” Minister Husic added.
“We’ve revitalised our National AI Centre and are working toward mandatory guardrails to manage AI risks.”
The Responsible AI Research Centre is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
