As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, it’s clear that communities are still grappling with concerns about its impact. That’s why I’m sponsoring the "AI Social Licensing" project in partnership with Federation University, supported by the Ballarat Region Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN). Our goal is to understand how AI is perceived in Ballarat and explore the barriers to its adoption across business, education, and the broader community.

This project focuses on building trust around AI by addressing concerns such as data privacy, transparency, and how AI can truly benefit everyday life. By engaging directly with community members through surveys and interviews, my team and I are gathering valuable insights that will help shape our recommendations.

Working closely with a dedicated team from Federation University, we’ll analyse the data and publish our findings in a research paper by late 2024. This paper will offer strategies for improving AI adoption in the region, ensuring that Ballarat can lead in AI innovation while addressing community concerns.

I’m excited to see how Ballarat can grow as a centre for AI development, with a focus on making sure people feel informed, heard, and confident about the future of these technologies.