New AI Safety Institute will help make workplaces and schools safer
The federal government’s announcement of a national AI Safety Institute is an important step in regulating and mitigating the risks associated with the rapid roll-out of AI.
This new protection measure has been developed in consultation with unions and other stakeholders following concerns about the impacts of AI in the workplace. The IEU has repeatedly highlighted to parliamentary inquiries and policymakers the many areas where AI is already affecting schools and education workers.
Consistent national protections are essential given the pace of AI development and the escalating use of new EdTech across the country.
This latest government initiative complements other safety measures introduced to restrict the technology used to harass girls and female staff, and new criminal offences enacted in many states to combat emerging forms of online abuse.
School employers have begun implementing various AI education trials and pilots. It’s essential that any such projects are developed in consultation with employees and their union through collective bargaining or other established consultative processes
Rushed implementation of untested or poorly managed AI programs can increase, rather than reduce, workloads. School staff must be provided adequate release time, specialist support, and professional development to implement and manage these changes safely and effectively.
The AI Safety Institute must serve as a strong check on the potential misuse of AI in Australia and ensure that workers are placed at the centre of AI decision-making, so that any benefits from new technologies are shared fairly across the workforce.
Pictured at the 2025 Parliamentary AI Symposium are IEU Federal Secretary Brad Hayes and Assistant Secretary Veronica Yewdall