Description

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants AI in Australia's interests, and has announced steps to regulate the technology. So can Australia get the balance right between the opportunities offered by AI, and the risks? Australia's former Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, a serial tech entrepreneur, has some ideas — and argues governments have been asleep at the wheel on AI regulation. This event was recorded at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival on 7 June 2026. Speakers: Professor Alan Finkel Founder, Proudly Human Former Chief Scientist Former Chancellor Monash University Founder of biotech and edtech companies Axon Instruments and Stile Education Former President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Co-founder, Cosmos Magazine

Summary

Former Australian Chief Scientist Alan Finkel critiques governmental inertia regarding AI regulation and proposes a structured framework to balance innovation with systemic risks. The discussion highlights the necessity of proactive governance to mitigate large-scale societal and safety harms emerging from frontier AI development. By focusing on regulatory frameworks within the Australian context, Finkel addresses the critical need for safeguards against catastrophic outcomes while maintaining technological competitiveness. This contribution is vital for shaping domestic policy alignment with global AI safety standards.

Body