An artificial intelligence (AI) strategy released by the NSW Government will create jobs and deliver smarter and better services to citizens across NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the strategy will create thousands of jobs across NSW including demand for IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and engineers.
“This is great news for citizens, researchers and businesses. We know how important AI is and this strategy puts us at the forefront of this emerging space,” Premier Gladys said.
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics will play a pivotal role in shaping our state’s future economy and we cannot be spectators on the sidelines. We must lead and be the engine room for future jobs.” Premier Gladys said.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the strategy sets a bold roadmap for the trusted, tested and transparent use of AI in government services.
“Whether it’s at home, online, on the road or at the supermarket, the use of AI is becoming more prevalent in day-to-day life and is often deployed in subtle ways to make customer interactions and services more seamless. This strategy brings together the three key pillars of privacy, transparency and security, within the prism of ethics.” Minister Victor said.
A new body, the NSW Government AI Review Committee, will be established to oversee the use of AI across government. The Committee will be chaired by the NSW Government Chief Data Scientist, Ian Oppermann and work with all government agencies.
The strategy also prioritises the development of AI skills in government and will strengthen industry partnerships through a consistent approach to procurement of AI products and services.
Current examples of the use of AI in NSW Government include the Transport for NSW’s use of AI and machine learning to anticipate required maintenance and proactively schedule downtime for maintenance which helps increase passenger safety and equipment reliability, NSW Health’s use of algorithms from de-identified medical records to assist with the early detection, and treatment of sepsis in the emergency department waiting rooms which helps to save patient lives and improve service levels. There is also the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment use ofdrones and AI used to identify and protect threatened plants and animals which is part of the Saving our Species program.
The AI Strategy is the third pillar of the state government’s commitment to making NSW the digital capital of the southern hemisphere, having recently launched policies on the Internet of Things and Smart Infrastructure.
The digital suite is secured by the record $240 million state-wide investment in cybersecurity, announced in June 2020.
Source: New South Wales Government Page