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Tasmania Bets Big on AI as Liberals Chase Efficiency Wins

The Mercury

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Description

The scope of AI use inside Tasmania’s public service has quietly expanded and is now set to widen even further, thanks to ‘accelerator’ funding expected in Thursday’s budget.

Summary

The Tasmanian government is significantly expanding its integration of artificial intelligence within the public service, supported by a new $4 million 'accelerator' funding package. This move signals a state-level prioritization of AI for operational efficiency, though it primarily addresses administrative and service delivery automation rather than high-level safety risks. The expansion reflects a growing trend in sub-national Australian governance to adopt AI technologies rapidly, highlighting the need for localized safety and ethical frameworks. While the article notes the quiet expansion of these capabilities, it lacks depth on the management of catastrophic risks associated with frontier AI systems.

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Tasmania bets big on AI as Liberals chase ‘efficiency’ winsThe scope of AI use inside Tasmania’s public service has quietly expanded and is now set to widen even further, thanks to ‘accelerator’ funding expected in Thursday’s budget. Sale now on Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper Enjoy puzzles SuperCoach Plus stats & analysis while playing Full digital access to the Herald Sun included LIMITED TIME OFFER Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $1 charged monthly for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $35 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $22 a month for the first 12 months($264 min. cost). Then $22 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $264 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $22 every month. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $22 (min. cost) every month. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Pay As You Go $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* Subscribe now Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.