National leader or problem rediscoverer? The issue with Malinauskas's AI royal commission

South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced the nation-leading first in the country's history - a royal commission into artificial intelligence (AI). The inquiry, which is expected to be the most comprehensive Australian public examination of AI's impact, will focus on the technology's influence on education, skills, work, health, and infrastructure. The $3 million inquiry, to be completed by July 1, will be led by three commissioners and has already sparked debate about its necessity, timing, and relevance.

Critics, including Dr. Rebecca Johnson from the University of Sydney, argue that the royal commission is essentially re-examining risks that researchers have already identified. Johnson asserts that the $3 million spent on the inquiry could be better utilized in implementing existing safeguards and addressing issues promptly. Meanwhile, Malinauskas defends the initiative, emphasizing South Australia's commitment to leadership in AI policy development and the potential benefits the technology can bring.

Despite some mixed results from previous nation-leading reforms, such as the First Nations Voice to Parliament and the teen social media ban, Malinauskas remains confident in the importance of addressing AI's challenges.