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<\/p>\nThe Australian Computer Society (ACS), says it welcomes the Productivity Commission\u2019s interim report on Harnessing Data and Digital Technology as a timely acknowledgment of the central role digital capability plays in Australia\u2019s economic resilience and future prosperity.<\/p>\n
But while the ACS supports many of the Commission\u2019s findings \u2014 particularly the emphasis on improving digital skills, encouraging innovation and addressing capability gaps \u2014 the organisation has expressed concern over the recommendation to pause the introduction of mandatory guardrails for artificial intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe welcome the Commission\u2019s commitment to technology-neutral regulation and agree that existing frameworks have gaps, but delaying action on AI risks undermining public confidence and leaving industry in limbo,\u201d said ACS CEO Josh Griggs. \u201cWe need clear, risk-based rules that evolve with the technology and provide certainty for businesses and safeguards for the community.<\/p>\n \u201cOur AI future depends not just on managing risk, but on growing capability, building trust, and connecting policy to impact.\u201d<\/p>\n ACS says it supports the Commission\u2019s focus on skills, innovation and data governance, and proposes additional measures to help Australia respond with urgency and coordination, namely:<\/p>\n \u201cDigital skills are the foundation of Australia\u2019s economic future,\u201d Griggs said. \u201cThe public wants reassurance that AI will benefit everyone, not just those who build it. That means expanding access to skills, strengthening regulation where needed, and supporting industries to adopt AI responsibly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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