Federal Government Abandons Plans to Establish a Permanent Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body
ABC News
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Details
- Date Published
- 14 Dec 2025
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 14 Dec 2025, 11:30 pm
Description
The federal government has abandoned plans to establish a permanent artificial intelligence advisory body - despite growing calls for stronger oversight of the technology.
Responding to Senate Estimates questioning, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources confirmed the A-I advisory body - proposed and funded in last year's federal budget - will not go ahead.
Toby Walsh is Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales A-I Institute - he was also on the temporary advisory group.
Summary
The Australian federal government has decided not to proceed with establishing a permanent AI advisory body, despite earlier proposals and funding allocations. This development is significant as it impacts the oversight and guidance on AI technologies in Australia, which are crucial for addressing the potential ethical and safety risks associated with AI. Notably, Toby Walsh, a key advocate for AI safety, previously served on the temporary advisory group and may see this as a setback in bolstering AI governance frameworks in Australia. The decision could influence how Australia approaches AI policy and regulation, especially in managing existential and catastrophic AI risks.
Body
Responding to Senate Estimates questioning, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources confirmed the A-I advisory body - proposed and funded in last year's federal budget - will not go ahead.Guest: Toby Walsh, Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales A-I InstituteProducer: Eddy DiamonImage DetailsToby Walsh says artificial intelligence is a "double-edged sword".(Supplied: TU Berlin/Press/Christian Kielmann)Program:More from Radio National Breakfast Appears In Breakfast Wrap: 10yo girl among victims of Bondi terror attackDuration: 24 minutes 24m 11 itemsIn this episode1 of 11Treasures from the archives on display at Australia's National LibraryDuration: 6 minutes 39 seconds6m 2 of 11Rabbi Eli Schlanger killed in Bondi Beach attacksDuration: 7 minutes 5 seconds7m 3 of 11Venezuelan opposition leader’s daring journey to EuropeDuration: 5 minutes 53 seconds5m 4 of 11Federal and state governments remain locked in dispute over health fundingDuration: 7 minutes 6 seconds7m 5 of 11Antisemitism envoy responds to Bondi attackDuration: 8 minutes 53 seconds8m 6 of 11Member for Wentworth Allegra Spender says 'we are here for the Jewish community'Duration: 8 minutes 25 seconds8m 7 of 11'It's our worst nightmares coming true': CEO NSW Jewish Board of DeputiesDuration: 7 minutes 22 seconds7m 8 of 11Opposition wants 'transparency' around the details of Tomago Aluminium dealDuration: 10 minutes 8 seconds10m 9 of 11Reddit challenges Australia’s under-16s social media ban in High CourtDuration: 7 minutes 19 seconds7m 10 of 11PlayingFederal government abandons plans to establish a permanent artificial intelligence advisory bodyDuration: 6 minutes 15 seconds6m 11 of 11'It's our worst nightmares coming true': CEO NSW Jewish Board of DeputiesDuration: 7 minutes 22 seconds7m