They’re drawing a line in the algorithm.
South Australia is charting unprecedented territory, launching Australia’s first royal commission into artificial intelligence.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the landmark inquiry yesterday, declaring society stands at a “fork in the road” where unchecked AI threatens work, education, and social fabric.
Fresh from US meetings with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, Malinauskas signed a memorandum with ChatGPT’s creator to explore AI skills and investment.
The commission, commencing October 1 with a July 2026 report deadline, will examine AI’s impact on schools, healthcare, creative industries, and even the electricity grid, but won’t tackle data centre infrastructure.
Costing approximately $3 million, the premier insists it’s “chicken feed” compared to societal risks.
Experts warn action can’t come soon enough.
UNSW’s Toby Walsh predicts the inquiry will pressure federal government, much like SA’s social media ban.
However, Sydney ethicist Rebecca Johnson cautions that AI evolves five years in twelve months; urging immediate action on known risks rather than re-asking old questions.
