La Trobe University's response to Prime Minister's announcement of Australian Standards for AI
Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University
"La Trobe University welcomes the Australian Government's ambition to provide clear national direction for the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence. As a university at the forefront of responsible AI adoption, we look forward to working with the Government as this national vision is realised.
AI presents one of the greatest opportunities of our generation to improve lives, strengthen Australia's economy and accelerate discovery. Realising that opportunity will require more than investment in technology; it will require investment in people, skills and trusted frameworks that ensure AI is developed and implemented responsibly.
At La Trobe, we are embracing that responsibility through our AI-first strategy. As reflected in the La Trobe AI Institute, we are embedding AI across teaching, research and university operations with an 'AI for good' approach - in ways that are sustainable, secure and inclusive. We are ensuring our students, staff, partners and wider communities have the capability, support and confidence to use these technologies effectively.
Universities like La Trobe have a critical role to play in preparing our graduates for an AI-shaped future, advancing research that delivers real-world impact and helping Australia build sovereign capability in this rapidly evolving field.
A clear national vision for responsible AI will help create the confidence and capability needed to achieve those goals."
Phil Laufenberg, Australia's first Pro-Vice Chancellor for AI and Chief AI Officer, La Trobe University
"I welcome the focus on a nationally coordinated approach to AI adoption. Without central coordination, AI adoption risks being fragmented, slow and inconsistent.
Successful responsible AI adoption at scale and at speed requires guardrails and standards to move fast with confidence.
We want AI to happen with us, not to us. Universities, as the Prime Minister recognised, have a unique opportunity to lead the way in developing the skilled graduates, impactful research and organisational capability required to shape our own future."
