Industry Minister Ed Husic announces AI training for Australian small business

“We know smaller businesses are not using AI because it seems too complex, we want to help them weave it into day-to-day work.”

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“Using AI can give businesses an edge to help them compete … We can’t have a lack of trust in technology hold the economy back.

“We’re setting up these centres is to answer [small and medium enterprises’] questions and doubts, and then supercharge these companies,” he added. The government is seeking applications from local businesses, industry partners and research institutions to deliver the training to businesses.

A recent University of Queensland and KPMG Australia study found only 40 per cent of Australians trust the use of AI at work.

According to Simon Bush, the chief executive of industry body Australian Information Industry Association, Australia ranks near the bottom of business AI adoption tables globally.

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“This new government program is a necessary and important investment by the government to ensure Australian businesses have the skills and confidence to adopt generative AI technologies,” Bush said.

“We are pleased to be able to support the official launch of new AI Adopt Centres as a tangible way to help Australia move up the AI adoption ladder so that the Australian economy can reap the benefits that we know AI can bring.”

Bush added that Deloitte has estimated more than a quarter of the Australian economy – some $600 billion worth of economic activity – faces rapid and significant disruption from generative AI.

“This funding will assist in ensuring that Australian businesses don’t miss out on harnessing the massive productivity benefits that AI and generate AI will bring to their businesses and the wider economy,” he said.

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“We know smaller businesses are not using AI because it seems too complex, we want to help them weave it into day-to-day work.”

Loading

“Using AI can give businesses an edge to help them compete … We can’t have a lack of trust in technology hold the economy back.

“We’re setting up these centres is to answer [small and medium enterprises’] questions and doubts, and then supercharge these companies,” he added. The government is seeking applications from local businesses, industry partners and research institutions to deliver the training to businesses.

A recent University of Queensland and KPMG Australia study found only 40 per cent of Australians trust the use of AI at work.

According to Simon Bush, the chief executive of industry body Australian Information Industry Association, Australia ranks near the bottom of business AI adoption tables globally.

Loading

“This new government program is a necessary and important investment by the government to ensure Australian businesses have the skills and confidence to adopt generative AI technologies,” Bush said.

“We are pleased to be able to support the official launch of new AI Adopt Centres as a tangible way to help Australia move up the AI adoption ladder so that the Australian economy can reap the benefits that we know AI can bring.”

Bush added that Deloitte has estimated more than a quarter of the Australian economy – some $600 billion worth of economic activity – faces rapid and significant disruption from generative AI.

“This funding will assist in ensuring that Australian businesses don’t miss out on harnessing the massive productivity benefits that AI and generate AI will bring to their businesses and the wider economy,” he said.

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.