Former judge Iain Ross named to head South Australia’s groundbreaking AI royal commissionAustralia’s first royal commission into AI - which will examine the uses of the technology and its hidden dangers - has hit a key milestone.David Hannant2 min readOctober 1, 2026 - 2:26PMNewsWireA key milestone has been hit in South Australia’s landmark royal commission into the use of artificial intelligence.Premier Peter Malinauskas today revealed the three commissioners who will be leading the groundbreaking probe, along with the scope of the investigation.The premier confirmed that former federal court judge and union boss Iain Ross will be leading the commission, flanked by Kate Pounder, the inaugural chief executive of the Tech Council of Australia.SA’s Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Minister Chris Picton, Artificial Intelligence Royal Commissioner, Dr Iain Ross AO, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Commissioner, Kate Pounder. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegtThe commission will also include Professor Christopher Manning, the lead AI researcher from Stanford University in the United States who grew up in Queensland.“Artificial intelligence is moving at a rapid pace, reshaping society and the world we live in,” Mr Malinauskas said.“The AI boom presents significant risks but also opportunities for South Australia which is why my government has established the nation’s first royal commission into artificial intelligence.Others you may likenewsnews“I want people’s interest’s put first and our state to be a leader in the policy responding to this technology.”SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state could not ‘stuff the AI genie back into the bottle’ but the commission would aim to identify the risks of the technology. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegtAddressing the media on Thursday, Mr Malinauskas acknowledged that the state could not “stuff the AI genie back into the bottle”, but that the commission would aim to identify risks and potential rewards of the advancing technology.Dr Ross, who is a former president of the Australian Fair Work Commission, said he was “honoured” to accept the role of leading the commission.“There is no shortage of commentary about artificial intelligence - the commission’s task is to undertake a careful examination of the issues most relevant to South Australians and the implications for the state,” he said. Dr Ross is a former president of the Australian Fair Work Commission. Picture: NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegt“We will engage broadly across South Australia and with experts here and overseas, to ensure that our findings and recommendations are informed by evidence and practical evidence.”Ms Pounder said the commission was “a world-leading opportunity to define what AI can deliver”.“AI is one of the defining technologies of our age. This is South Australia’s chance to shape the future it wants to have, rather than simply letting AI shape South Australia’s future.”Christopher Manning, of Stanford University. Picture: SuppliedProf Manning added the state had the opportunity to “take advantage” of enormous AI breakthroughs.“The opportunities for growth, investment and jobs need to be carefully balanced against education, workforce, societal and environmental concerns,” he said. More CoveragePrivate school grad’s vile deepfake actDavid HannantState makes huge AI move, first in AustraliaDavid Hannant“There is a lot to carefully balance.”Evidence gathering for the investigation got under way today and will hear evidence from a broad range of experts. Its final report will be published no later than July 1 next year.Read related topics:AdelaideMore related storiesRadio‘Bring down’: Kyle wages war on bot armyKyle Sandilands has made wild accusations his show is under attack after airing conversations with One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson.Read moreInterest RatesJim denies RBA rift as inflation surgesTreasurer Jim Chalmers has denied being at odds with the RBA governor after headline inflation jumped to 4 per cent and interest rates hit a 15-year high.Read moreTechnology‘Critical’: Big call after Medicare AI breachThe Australian government has made a big call about “critical” systems as OpenAI says it is “sorry” for the Medicare data portal breach.Read more