OpenAI's decision to establish its Australian headquarters in Sydney should be seen as a wake-up call for the Allan Labor Government.
Last month, an Australian Government Productivity Commission report suggested that artificial intelligence projects will contribute at least $116 billion to Australia's GDP over the next decade.
As of today, Sydney has triple the amount of data centres planned, in operation or under construction as Melbourne.
To Victoria's detriment, New South Wales has positioned itself as the national leader in attracting AI infrastructure, talent, and investment through initiatives like the NSW Government's Office for AI, tasked with improving the way government services are delivered and driving the safe adoption of AI.
And while this happening, Victoria is being left behind.
To arrest this situation, the Allan Labor Government must consider the Australian Information Industry Association's recent A.I. first policy proposal. As it stands, Victorians are stuck with clunky, disconnected systems that fail to meet modern expectations. Through AI adoption, the Victorian public sector has the opportunity to improve service delivery, increase productivity and save taxpayers money.
Shadow Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Sector Innovation Brad Rowswell said:
"NSW's success is a kick in the guts for every entrepreneur hoping to build or grow an AI or tech business in Victoria.
"Victoria has the talent and potential to become Australia's AI capital - it just needs to be backed by a government that recognises that potential.
"Only a Liberals and Nationals government will create the right environment for innovation, businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish."
