Latest news with #AI-specific
West Australian
a day ago
- Business
- West Australian
AI productivity roundtable: More jobs created than lost through artificial intelligence, expert claims
Major technological advances can boost job creation but Australia must fully realise the gains of artificial intelligence to turbocharge its economy, the co-author of a major new Productivity Commission report has said. Optimism about the augmentation of jobs through AI must also be balanced with equipping workers for change and support for retraining in new skills, Productivity Commissioner Julie Abramson told The Nightly in an exclusive interview. Ms Abramson co-authored the Productivity Commission's new report on 'harnessing data and digital technology' with Dr Stephen King, to assess the potential impact of the artificial intelligence revolution on Australia's economy. As a lawyer with over 30 years regulatory experience at both State and Federal levels, she also cautioned against adding unnecessary layers to existing regulation governing rapidly evolving technologies, which could risk stifling innovation. The report recommends the Government avoid new AI-specific laws and pause steps to mandate guardrails until reviews of gaps posed by AI to current regulatory structures are completed. 'The most important thing that we would say is that we're not lessening regulation in terms of AI,' she said. 'What we're saying is, let's have a really systematic, methodical look at where laws actually are, what are the harms that we're seeking to prevent?' The report is one of five Productivity Commission research papers ahead of the Government's economic reform roundtable later this month which will be dominated by AI issues, and it predicts that new technology could inject $116 billion into the economy. But it also acknowledges that like all previous technological changes, the shifting workplace environment will increase the demand for workers in some professions and not others, leading to 'painful transitions' as well as 'new opportunities.' Concerns have already been raised about the impact the new tech will have on jobs and creative industries, specifically around copyright. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance immediately decried the PC report's 'resistance to much-needed legislation and regulation,' that would protect the industry from AI theft. The MEAA flagged widespread concern about stolen work and future job losses without more mandatory 'guardrails' on AI, highlighting its opposition to the relaxation of copyright rules that would enable the transfer of resources to foreign tech companies with no chance of compensation. 'More than 90 per cent of workers want AI regulation and for technology giants to be forced to pay for the work they steal,' it said in a statement. The union found an unlikely ally in Coalition leader Sussan Ley, who agreed that it was 'not appropriate for big tech to steal' Australian intellectual property and lashed the government for being weak on protecting copyrighted content from AI firms. 'I'm not hearing from this government about guardrails to protect Australian content,' the Opposition Leader said. 'It is not appropriate for big tech to steal the work of Australian artists, musicians, creators, news media, journalism and use it for their own ends without paying for it. 'AI is important. We should embrace the technology with respect to AI, but we have to get the balance right so that we can power the economy. 'And we have to protect people. We have to protect content creators, and I don't see that. A spokesperson for Seven West Media, publisher of The Nightly, also warned the Productivity Commission's AI recommendations on copyright could have significant ramifications for Australian-made content. 'AI platforms need to stop stealing Australian-made content and adhere to our copyright laws, which are already fit-for-purpose,' the spokesperson said. 'To think they can hide behind fair dealing is ridiculous. It is just straight theft. No other industry is allowed to use other people's work the way big tech currently is, so why is the Productivity Commission considering an exemption? 'From our journalists, to our editors, producers, writers and camera operators – everyone at Seven works incredibly hard to create our own content for Australian audiences. This content creation comes with significant investment but it is something we are very proud to do. To the extent that AI is disrupting our ability to commercialise that investment, we are very concerned. 'The Government should be similarly concerned that AI will ultimately lead to a significant reduction in content investment and creation in Australia by trusted news sources.' In a sign of the fiery debate ahead, the Business Council of Australia welcomed the Commission's report for taking a 'sensible middle ground approach to regulation' to use existing laws to ensure the AI opportunity could be grasped while also providing appropriate protections. 'AI can help us work smarter, not harder, supporting workers and businesses to spend more time on the things that matter most,' chief executive Bran Black said. Ms Abramson described the report's estimate of the $116 billion AI boon to the economy as 'conservative' but recognised that job fears had to be adequately addressed, including with efforts to help displaced workers retrain. 'It's very important to acknowledge [concerns], but I think our starting point would say that we do know over the long term that major advances in technology do add jobs,' she said. The report cites forecasts from the World Economic Forum that predict, at a global level, a net growth of 2 million jobs due to AI and information processing technologies within five years. Overall, the WEF predicts wider job growth due to AI at 11 million compared to a displacement of 9 million by 2030. The newly Productivity Commission analysis does not make its own precise forecasts about how many roles would be augmented or automated by AI, deferring to an upcoming study by Jobs and Skills Australia But the researchers observed in a number of workplaces how AI was used to relieve workers of mundane tasks, said Ms Abramson, calling for 'balanced conversations' about the challenges ahead. 'You're always going to hear the story about the job losses. It's not often that you're going to hear the story about the job gains,' she said. 'Our point is that we're doing jobs differently,' argued Ms Abramson, pointing to her own experience as a young lawyer sifting through volumes of documents – a job now alleviated by technology. 'In some areas, the ability of AI to crunch vast quantities of data has actually meant that humans can focus on much more interesting tasks and perhaps do things that they couldn't do before,' she said. 'It's a real opportunity to get growth in our economy.' The PC report mentions early estimates that suggest AI will increase multifactor productivity by 0.5 per cent to 13 per cent over the next decade. After its own examination of the assumptions underpinning these studies, the Commission concludes that 'productivity gains above 2.3 per cent are likely' that would translate into about 4.3 per cent labor productivity growth over the next decade. It cautions, however, that there is considerable uncertainty about the precise magnitude. To illustrate productivity gains, it refers to examples including Lyro Robotics developing an avocado-sorting robot to identify the ripeness of the fruit, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia figures that show a 30 per cent drop in customer-reported fraud due to AI alerts. However, Treasurer Jim Chalmers struck a note of caution on Wednesday, pledging to take a 'middle path' on AI between the 'Let It Rip' crowd and people 'who pretend we can turn back the clock.' While AI was a 'game changer', Dr Chalmers said the Government had to find ways to ensure it benefited workers and did not make them victims to technological change. He said he was 'optimistic that AI can be a force for good' while 'also realistic about the risks.' AI 'has the potential to support all of our major economic goals, making our economy more productive stronger, lifting living standards over time and every single part of our lives will be impacted over time by artificial intelligence,' said Dr Chalmers. He also downplayed concerns that copyright rules would be relaxed to enable data mining to train AI models. Industry Minister Tim Ayres was looking at the issue closely and the Government would keep engaging with concerned parties to get it right, he said. Copyright laws were already in force, differentiating the Australian regime with other jurisdictions. 'So there's no ambiguity about that. Australian law, whether it's criminal law or civil law, applies now,' he said, adding that the Government's focus was on how AI impacts the workplace and not working up ways to change the copyright regime.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
AGY Launches New L-HDI Glass Fiber, Completing AI-Centric Product Portfolio
BUSINESS WIRE)--AGY, the leading US manufacturer of specialty glass fiber products, is proud to announce the launch of L-HDI, a new Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) glass fiber engineered specifically for advanced packaging substrates and chip packaging in next-generation AI hardware. 'With the introduction of L-HDI, AGY now offers a complete portfolio of glass fiber products tailored to AI infrastructure,' said Patrick Hunter, Executive Vice President at AGY. Share This product marks a significant milestone for AGY, as L-HDI completes the company's AI-focused glass fiber portfolio, which now includes a full range of solutions optimized for the semiconductor, high-performance computing, and advanced networking sectors. The L-HDI product provides dimensional stability, thermal reliability, and mechanical integrity essential for AI-specific integrated circuit packaging, particularly for high-density interconnect (HDI) and substrate core materials. 'With the introduction of L-HDI, AGY now offers a complete portfolio of glass fiber products tailored to AI infrastructure,' said Patrick Hunter, Executive Vice President, Commercial at AGY. 'As AI systems evolve and require more precise, thermally stable materials, AGY is proud to meet this demand with next-generation glass fiber technologies manufactured right here in the United States.' Key Features of L-HDI: Ultra-Low CTE for improved warpage control in IC substrates High modulus to resist deformation when exposed to heat and mechanical stress Excellent dimensional stability under high thermal cycles Optimized for IC substrate manufacturing Made in the USA, supporting domestic supply chain resilience AGY's glass fiber offerings—including L, L2, and now L-HDI—are used across a range of AI-enabling components, from optical transceivers and high-speed routers to IC substrates and semiconductor packaging. As AI infrastructure continues to scale globally, AGY remains committed to developing and supplying the most advanced glass fiber solutions from its operations in Aiken, South Carolina. The addition of L-HDI reaffirms AGY's leadership in performance materials for the world's AI-driven digital transformation. About AGY AGY is a leading innovator and manufacturer of specialty glass fibers enabling high-performance composite solutions for aviation, defense, electronics, artificial intelligence, digital connectivity and architecture applications that are integral to civilian life and critical to the national security supply chain. Headquartered in Aiken, SC, AGY is the singular remaining specialty glass fiber manufacturer in the United States. Flexible production operations, R&D teams, and a product innovation center allow AGY to customize material solutions and develop next-generation products for clients globally.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Strictly regulating AI could inhibit Australian economic growth: report
AI could drive a 4.3 per cent increase in Australia's labour productivity over the next decade. - Bloomberg CANBERRA: A report by an independent advisory body of the Australian government has found that strictly regulating artificial intelligence (AI) would inhibit the country's economic growth. Published on Tuesday night (Aug 5) by the Productivity Commission (PC), the government's independent advisory body on economic, social and environmental issues, the report found that AI will likely increase Australia's economic output by more than US$75.1 billion over the next decade. It said that the federal government should check for, and fill, gaps in current regulation exposed by AI but that AI-specific regulation should only be considered as a "last resort." "Adding economy-wide regulations that specifically target AI could see Australia fall behind the curve, limiting a potentially enormous growth opportunity," Commissioner Stephen King said in a statement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labour Party federal government is currently considering a legislative response to the rise of AI technologies, including a possible AI Act that would force AI-generated content to be labelled and impose mandatory safeguards on AI deemed high-risk. The PC report, which was commissioned by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, was released ahead of the government convening business leaders, trade unions and economists for an economic reform roundtable at Parliament House in Canberra from Aug. 19-21. According to the agenda released by Chalmers last Friday, the entire second day of the gathering will focus on boosting Australia's productivity. The PC report found that AI could drive a 4.3 per cent increase in labour productivity over the next decade. Additionally, it said that giving individuals and businesses greater access to data that relates to them would increase competition and innovation, delivering productivity gains worth up to US$6.4 billion per year. - Xinhua
AU Financial Review
3 days ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
AI to boost economy by $116b, but workers face ‘painful transition'
Artificial intelligence could inject $116 billion into the Australian economy over the next decade, but it will bring with it a painful period of transition for workers whose roles will be made redundant, the Productivity Commission has warned. In an interim report examining the role of AI on productivity, released ahead of the government's Economic Reform Roundtable, the commission recommended the government avoid creating any new AI-specific laws that would stifle growth.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Unlocking Opportunities with ISACA AAIA: Your Path to IT Audit Excellence
In an era defined by rapid technological transformation, staying current in the IT audit profession demands more than traditional knowledge. It requires continuous adaptation to new technologies and risks—especially those involving artificial intelligence. The ISACA AAIA certification (Artificial Intelligence Audit Certificate) is designed to meet this need. As organizations increasingly integrate AI into their systems and decision-making processes, the ability to audit these systems effectively is becoming essential. The AAIA credential signals that an IT professional is prepared to assess AI models not only for performance but also for accountability, transparency, and compliance—cornerstones of modern auditing standards. The ISACA AAIA is more than a niche certificate—it's a response to the accelerating use of AI in critical business functions. Traditional IT audit credentials cover cybersecurity, risk, and assurance, but they rarely dive deep into artificial intelligence. The AAIA fills this gap by focusing on the distinct and emerging challenges of AI auditing. It empowers professionals to evaluate AI through a lens of governance, control, and compliance, ensuring these technologies are deployed responsibly and safely. ISACA is a globally respected authority in IT governance and audit, and the AAIA builds on that reputation with content that is both timely and technical. Unlike general AI courses that teach how to build models, AAIA emphasizes the auditor's role in ensuring that AI systems operate ethically, within legal boundaries, and in alignment with organizational risk appetite. This makes the certification highly relevant in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, where compliance is as important as innovation. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in customer service platforms, financial risk assessments, logistics planning, and countless other areas, the risks associated with its use grow significantly. Concerns about algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and unintended consequences have placed AI in the regulatory spotlight. Governments and oversight bodies are already crafting legal frameworks—such as the EU's AI Act—that will require businesses to demonstrate due diligence in how AI is developed and used. In this context, AI auditing is not just a best practice but an emerging requirement. Businesses must be prepared to explain how their algorithms work, what data was used to train them, how outcomes are validated, and whether safeguards are in place to prevent discriminatory or harmful results. Professionals who can carry out these audits bring immediate value to their organizations. The AAIA credential prepares individuals to meet these demands, combining established audit principles with AI-specific knowledge and application. The AAIA certification is well-suited to a range of professionals who are either currently involved in IT auditing or aiming to expand their scope into AI oversight. IT auditors, compliance officers, risk analysts, and cybersecurity specialists will find this credential particularly beneficial as it enhances their ability to work with emerging technologies. It is also valuable for AI developers and data scientists who want to understand the governance and audit expectations around the systems they create. For those already holding certifications such as CISA, CRISC, or CDPSE, the ISACA AAIA serves as a strong complement, reinforcing their expertise with a future-ready specialization. As industries shift toward automation and data-driven operations, having the skills to audit AI systems will open doors to leadership roles in both internal audit functions and external consulting engagements. The AAIA curriculum delivers a robust framework for understanding and auditing artificial intelligence systems. It begins with a foundation in AI governance and explores how ethical considerations, such as fairness and accountability, must be integrated into system design and evaluation. Candidates study the AI lifecycle, learning to identify risks and assess controls at each phase—from data collection and model training to implementation and monitoring. The course emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI, helping auditors evaluate how well systems can explain their decision-making processes. Understanding how to construct and assess AI-specific control objectives is also a key component, along with recognizing data integrity issues that could impact model reliability. Students are introduced to global regulatory standards and compliance requirements, giving them the tools to ensure AI systems meet legal expectations. In addition, the program explores how AI can enhance internal audit capabilities, helping professionals understand its use in fraud detection, predictive analytics, and process automation. Achieving the ISACA AAIA certification marks a significant advancement in one's professional credentials. It distinguishes the holder as someone with the knowledge and readiness to audit one of the most complex and consequential technologies of the modern age. In a competitive job market, this edge is invaluable. Employers across industries are seeking professionals who not only understand technology but can also evaluate its risks and verify compliance in an increasingly regulated environment. The AAIA opens new pathways in AI risk management, compliance consulting, and governance leadership. It can lead to higher compensation, greater job security, and access to opportunities at the intersection of IT and innovation. As organizations grow more dependent on data-driven automation, the demand for certified AI auditors will only rise. Holding this certification shows that you can bridge the gap between business strategy, technical systems, and regulatory oversight. The trajectory of artificial intelligence is clear: more adoption, more integration, and more scrutiny. As AI becomes central to strategic decision-making, its impact must be measured not just by efficiency, but by safety, ethics, and legality. Regulators are taking notice, and enterprises must be ready. Professionals certified in ISACA AAIA will be at the forefront of this shift, leading AI audit projects, advising on governance frameworks, and guiding organizations toward responsible innovation. In the coming years, AI auditing will evolve from a specialized task to a standard expectation. Those who prepare now, through certifications like the AAIA, will be best positioned to influence and shape how AI is used across sectors. Whether in corporate audit teams, independent assurance firms, or regulatory agencies, AAIA holders will have a crucial role in ensuring that AI serves the public and corporate interest responsibly. To earn the AAIA credential, candidates must complete ISACA's official training program and pass a comprehensive exam. The course is designed to accommodate working professionals with flexible, self-paced modules covering both theory and real-world application. While there are no mandatory prerequisites, familiarity with IT auditing, cybersecurity, or data governance is helpful for mastering the material. The exam tests a candidate's ability to evaluate AI systems from an audit perspective, covering governance structures, risk identification, compliance obligations, and performance validation. Upon completion, professionals will not only hold a valuable certification but also gain the confidence and knowledge to handle AI audit responsibilities in dynamic environments. The ISACA AAIA certification represents a major step forward for professionals aiming to lead in a digital-first world. As AI becomes central to how organizations operate, the ability to ensure its responsible use will define the next generation of auditors and risk managers. This credential is more than a professional milestone—it is a mark of trust, expertise, and relevance in one of the most urgent areas of modern technology. With AI continuing to transform industries, the need for certified professionals in AI auditing is not a passing trend—it's the new standard. By earning the AAIA, you're positioning yourself to unlock opportunities, drive accountability, and help shape the future of ethical and effective artificial intelligence deployment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
