South Australia announces AI Royal Commission and OpenAI deal

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a $3 million Royal Commission into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to address both the opportunities and risks the technology presents. Set to begin in October, the inquiry aims to examine AI's impact on various sectors, including education, public health, industry, and the arts, while also investigating its relationship with energy and water usage. The commission is expected to deliver a final report by July 1, 2027.

During a recent trade and investment mission to the United States, Malinauskas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with OpenAI at its San Francisco headquarters. This agreement, signed with OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman, is believed to be the first of its kind between an Australian state government and a major AI company. The partnership intends to foster AI skill development, accelerate local innovation, and attract global investment to South Australia.