In a big week for the industry, Ed Husic says his approach to AI safety and regulation has been validated, the Greens have elected as leader its most articulate spokesman on technology and the ATO publishes its annual list of companies that pay no tax.
Also this week, early-bird entries for the 2027 InnovationAus Awards for Excellence have officially opened, ahead of the black-tie gala awards’ dinner scheduled for February 18, 2027.
The InnovationAus Awards are the biggest night on the deep tech and innovation calendar. Keen observers will note that the awards have been shifted from the crowded end-of-year. Instead, we aim to enable entrants to start the 2027 year with a bang.
This week on NewsWrap, InnovationAus.com editor Justin Hendry and James Riley talk through the biggest stories in tech and innovation.
Former Industry minister Ed Husic says the surge in cyber incidents driven by rogue AI agents – including on government websites in Australia – has validated his approach to AI safety.
He says government could pick up the work already done on AI safety during the first term of the Albanese government and perhaps rethink its approach to an AI Act.
Meanwhile, former Tech Council of Australia chief executive officer Kate Pounder has been appointed as one of three commissioners on the South Australian Royal Commission into AI.
The other commissioners are former ACTU assistant secretary and former Federal Court judge Iain Ross, and computer scientist Christopher Manning.
The Greens have elected David Shoebridge as leader after former leader Larissa Waters stepped down last week due to health issues.
Mr Shoebridge is the most articulate and effective spokesperson on technology issues and has been vocal on AI and data centre. He is already shaping as a thorn for the Albanese government.
New data shows that manufacturing closures are at a 17-year high, despite the government’s Future Made in Australia program and the policy emphasis on building local capability.
This is a tough policy position for the federal government, not helped by a Treasury that has been slow to adapt to the realpolitik. Where is the prioritisation of national industry?
Stories that shaped the week:
Built for impact: 2027 InnovationAus Awards entries open
‘Validated’: Husic says breaches prove need for AI guardrails
Three-person expert panel to lead SA Royal Commission into AI
Greens leadership fight scuttles Senate AI committee hearing
Manufacturing closure data signals a desperate industry
The tech companies paying little or no tax in Australia
Greens’ tech maven takes party leadership
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.