The Governor-General has accepted my recommendation to appoint Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, to administer the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
This appointment reflects Minister Ayres' role contributing to oversight of the Office of Artificial Intelligence, which is designing world-leading national AI standards to ensure Australians can share the benefits of this transformative technology, safely, and that AI works in Australia's interests.
There are no changes to Minister Ayres' ministerial titles and he will continue to administer the Department of Industry, Science and Research, as well as PM&C.
The Office of AI is overseen by the Prime Minister, Minister Ayres and the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, the Hon Andrew Charlton MP.
Assistant Minister Charlton is already appointed to administer PM&C in his capacity as Cabinet Secretary.
This statement is made consistent with the recommendations of the Bell Inquiry into the Appointment of the Former Prime Minister to Administer Multiple Departments.
