South Australia announced huge $3m royal commission into AIOne state leader has made a major announcement on the future of AI - drawing from the same playbook that delivered Australia’s social media ban.David Hannant2 min readAugust 10, 2026 - 4:51PMNewsWireSouth Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a $3m Royal Commission into the use of artificial intelligence (AI), as the technology continues to boom.Mr Malinauskas said the major public inquiry will be held that will probe how the technology is being used – and what threats it poses.The announcement comes after the Premier recently returned from a visit to the United States, where he met with several AI firms to explore the ways the rapidly advancing technology can be used.SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a royal commission into AI, covering how the technology is being used and what threats it will pose. AI children generic.Mr Malinauskas said the inquiry was aiming at maximising the benefits of AI, while also identifying risks and unwanted impacts.“I want South Australia to be a leader in the policy to respond to this technology in a way that puts people’s interests first,” he said.“The ongoing expansion of AI presents the world’s most significant technological shift since the industrial revolution.Others you may likenewsnewsMr Malinauskas said the inquiry was aiming at maximising the benefits of AI, while also identifying risks and unwanted impacts. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards“While South Australia can’t stop the deployment of AI, we can play a role to shape how it is used – this disruption presents significant risks and opportunities for our state.”Set to begin in October, the commission is estimated to cost taxpayers in the region of $3m.It will collect evidence on the impact the technology is having on a variety of sectors, including education and public services.During his visit stateside, Mr Malinauskas met with a number of AI firms, including tech giants OpenAI – the company behind ChatGPT – and Apple.“We are looking to embrace the opportunity of AI, but not in a way that leaves us with regrets,” Mr Malinauskas said.The royal commission will look into how AI is used and what risks it poses. Picture: iStock“This rapid development cannot occur unchecked. Governments must assume its responsibility to ensure these changes improve the lives of their citizens.“We need a serious policy response regarding what we’re doing regarding AI in schools, in industry, in public health and in arts and culture.”More CoverageCan you spot which of these people is AI?David HannantThe inquiry will take a similar form to approach taken when the SA government probed into social media reform.The work carried out in SA helped to guide the eventual ban on social media for children rolled out by the federal government, which has provided a template for other governments across the world.The royal commission will begin hearing evidence in two months time, with the final report due to be published no later than July 1 next year.Read related topics:AdelaideMore related storiesWearablesChilling detail in popular new tech deviceA popular tech device becoming more ubiquitous across the country is being used as a “tool to further exploit” one group of Aussies.Read moreHackingWarning to watch for scammers using censusMajor telcos are sounding the alarm ahead of census night, warning scammers could use the official event to target the personal data of Australians.Read moreSocial MediaUS erupts over brutal random street attackA violent repeat offender has been charged over a sickening filmed attack on a defenceless woman. WARNING: Distressing contentRead more