PNG, Pacific to benefit from Australia's AI governance funding boost
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| Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald, speaks during the Digital Transformation Summit in Port Moresby. Picture supplied by the Australian High Commission |
The money will go toward building practical governance and risk management toolkits, giving Pacific governments the tools they need to handle AI use responsibly as the technology spreads across sectors.
The funding was revealed during Pacific Cyber Week and the Digital Transformation Summit, held in Port Moresby, and will flow through Australia's Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program. Standards Australia has been tasked with leading the development work.
Organisers say the toolkits are meant to help government officials, policymakers and practitioners get a clearer picture of both the opportunities and the dangers tied to AI, while pushing for its safe, ethical and accountable use throughout the region.
Australia's Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, who also serves as High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald, said the technology could go a long way in lifting the standard of public services and helping Pacific nations tackle long-standing problems.
"Artificial intelligence can help improve public services and address the challenges of distance and limited resources," Mr McDonald said.
He added the new resources would allow Pacific governments to embrace AI at their own pace and with the right protections built in.
"These toolkits will help Pacific governments pursue those opportunities on their own terms and with appropriate safeguards," he said.
Beyond the toolkit rollout, the programme is also expected to give Pacific nations a stronger voice in international conversations around AI rules and standards, as governments across the globe race to put policies in place for the fast-moving technology.
The announcement lands as Australia works to cement itself as a leading voice on AI policy in the region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flagged plans to roll out a National Framework of Australian Standards for AI, which would bring in compulsory rules governing large-scale AI infrastructure and development.
An Office of AI is also being set up within Australia's Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, tasked with coordinating AI policy across the Australian government.
The summit in Port Moresby also touched on several other initiatives, including a proposed PNG Digital Public Infrastructure Centre of Excellence, draft Pacific Digital and AI Principles, expanded support for online safety, and a National eSafety Symposium.
Canberra says it remains committed to working alongside Pacific nations to build stronger digital infrastructure, boost cyber resilience, grow digital skills, and ensure the region has a seat at the table when it comes to shaping global AI governance.
Australia's Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Jessica Hunter, said practical, hands-on guidance was essential if Pacific nations were to adopt AI responsibly.
"Responsible AI adoption requires practical and accessible guidance," Ms Hunter said. "The toolkits will help Pacific partners assess risks, strengthen governance and shape AI use in ways that reflect local needs, values and aspirations."
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