WADSIH is excited to announce that our Director, Alex Jenkins, has been appointed to the Cook Government’s newly formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Board. This significant milestone highlights Western Australia’s commitment to leveraging AI for the public good while ensuring its safe and ethical use across the public sector.
A new era for AI in WA
The Cook Government has established the AI Advisory Board to provide strategic advice on the design, implementation, and use of AI and data-driven tools in the public sector. The Board will also support the roll-out of Western Australia’s AI Policy and Assurance Framework, ensuring the transformative potential of AI is harnessed responsibly.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of AI adoption in WA, with the Board tasked with addressing critical issues such as ethics, regulation, security, and community engagement.
The state’s top AI experts brought together
The Advisory Board consists of seven local experts from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, representing technical, academic, legal, cyber security, and governance specialisations. Alex Jenkins, WADSIH Director and Chair of Curtin’s AI in Research Group, joins other distinguished members, including:
- Natalia Kacperek, Chief Data Officer, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
- Dr Wei Liu, Associate Professor, The University of Western Australia
- Adam Lloyd, Area Director Community and Virtual Care, East Metropolitan Health Service
- Dr Ian Oppermann, Co-founder, ServiceGen
- Janie Plant, Senior Legal Counsel, Capgemini
- Gohar Rind, Managing Director, Yira Yarkiny Group
Together, this diverse team will help guide the State Government in realising AI’s potential while prioritising security, equity, and inclusion.
WADSIH’s role in an advisory capacity
WADSIH is proud to contribute to this transformative initiative through Alex Jenkins’ involvement. As a leader in WA’s data science and AI community, Alex will bring deep expertise and practical insights to the Board, ensuring WA’s approach to AI is innovative, secure, and community-focused.
Commenting on his appointment, Alex said, “It’s an honour to join the Cook Government’s AI Advisory Board and work alongside such a talented and diverse group of experts. Artificial intelligence has incredible potential to transform lives, but we must ensure it’s implemented ethically, inclusively, and securely. I’m excited to contribute to shaping policies that will not only advance innovation but also protect and empower our communities.”
Driving Responsible AI Adoption
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson described the Board as a critical step in WA’s journey to responsibly adopt AI technologies. He said, “The appointment of this new AI Advisory Board by the State Government will ensure the appropriate checks and balances are in place as AI is increasingly trialled and adopted across Government. The talent that exists in Western Australia within AI technologies and related areas is inspiring.”
The Board’s work will focus on creating a framework for ethical, safe, and inclusive AI use, setting WA up as a leader in responsible AI adoption.
Looking ahead to a productive 2025
The first meeting of the AI Advisory Board is set for early 2025, marking the beginning of a two-year term where members will provide critical guidance on AI initiatives.
WADSIH is honoured to be part of this pivotal moment in WA’s AI journey, and we look forward to contributing to this exciting and emerging area of policy.
Stay tuned for updates as we work alongside fellow Board members to shape the future of AI in Western Australia.
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