Australia joins declaration on responsible artificial intelligence development

Australia joined after Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic attended the United Kingdom’s AI Safety Summit from 1–2 November.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles said that in an increasingly complex global environment, it is essential that artificial intelligence technologies are developed and implemented responsibly.

“Australia recognises the importance of ensuring AI technologies are developed and used responsibly in a civilian and military context.

“Australia will continue to engage actively in the international agenda towards the responsible research, development, deployment and application of AI,” he said.

Australia is strengthening its commitment to safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence by joining the landmark Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, according to Minister Husic.

“It is beyond question that AI will change the world. We have a responsibility to help ensure it changes the world for the better,” he said.

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“On the home front, we have asked Australians how they think we should ensure artificial intelligence is safe and properly regulated in this country. We will continue to engage with Australians on this over the coming months.”

The declaration calls on states to take steps to ensure military use of artificial intelligence is consistent with obligations under international and humanitarian law, involves adequate training, and employs appropriate safeguards.

“The growing use of AI must be consistent with our efforts to shape the region and world we want – stable, prosperous, secure and respectful of sovereignty,” according to Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

“Australia has strengthened its contribution to ensuring AI technologies are developed and used responsibly by joining a landmark Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.”

Earlier this year, the US Department of Defense established a generative artificial intelligence taskforce, Task Force Lima, to develop artificial intelligence for strategic purposes.

The new taskforce will assess, synchronise, and employ generative AI capabilities across the US Department of Defense under the guidance of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), established in June 2022.

The taskforce will play a pivotal role in analysing and integrating generative AI tools, such as large language models, according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr Kathleen Hicks.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.