<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The federal government has agreed to pause the mandatory guardrails on artificial intelligence and accelerate the adoption of the technology under the first national plan released today. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The plan initially meant to strengthen rules around the rapidly evolving technology amid growing distrust, with the former minister Ed Husic saying 10 guardrails were under development last year.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>But earlier this year, the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/productivity-commission-artificial-intelligence-could-create-billions-for-australia/ea32cb29-0bb0-4521-9e51-22c5ef24a673" rel="" target="_blank" title="Productivity Commission called for the guardrails to be put on hold"><span>Productivity Commission called for the guardrails to be put on hold</span></a><span> to allow a review into current laws to be completed, which could prevent the stifling of a potential $116 billion boost to the economy.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australias-happiest-workers-revealed-new-seek-survey/127606a2-1f40-4921-8cad-5cd317bd876b" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Australia's happiest generation of workers revealed</span></strong></a><strong></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The government has now walked away from that plan and shifted its wary stance to one that hopes to harness "the full potential of AI".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The plan will "accelerate the broad development and adoption of AI" to benefit all Australians, including First Nations people and regional communities. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It will work in three parts: to capture the economic opportunity, distribute the benefits across the economy and keep the country safe from risks and harm.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/ai-national-plan-australia-to-accelerate-broad-adoption-of-technology/8120782d-1a55-4b2e-aa8a-aaab1362bd44" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The government will do this by developing data centres and creating arrangements with leading companies to help build the digital infrastructure to support AI. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It will also build a capable workforce through consultation with unions, training and support, resources and fit-for-purpose workplace protections. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/zone-rv-caravan-company-enters-administration/5df3f233-9c01-46db-af56-b7dd0f29d42b" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Leading Australian caravan maker collapses, 250 jobs at risk</span></strong></a><strong></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>And from next year, a $29.9 million AI Safety Institute will monitor the development of the technology and advise agencies, industry and government on their response. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said AI will close gaps in essential services, improve education and employment outcomes and create well-paid jobs in the future. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The National AI Plan is about making sure technology serves Australians, not the other way around," he said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"As the technology continues to evolve, we will continue to refine and strengthen this plan to seize new opportunities and act decisively to keep Australians safe."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f"><em><strong><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your 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