A Shorten Labor Government will work with the Andrews Labor Government to establish the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Excellence in Melbourne.

Today the Andrews Labor Government committed $1 million to locate the Centre in Melbourne, providing it with ongoing support for investment facilitation and business engagement.

In July, Federal Labor announced it would invest $3 million in the establishment of the Centre.

Getting the application of AI and automation right within the Australian economy could potentially provide a massive $2.2 trillion economic boost.

While other governments are pressing ahead with the application of AI within their countries, the Liberals are dragging the chain. Even the head of the CSIRO acknowledges Australia is behind the curve.

Preparing for the impact of AI on our economy and community cant be left to chance.

Australia needs a Centre like this to draw together thinking and AI related work across the country and put it to work for our economy and community.

Importantly, we need to ensure we unite business, unions and governments on this, thinking ahead about the impact of AI and making sure everyone benefits.

Federal Labor has also begun the first wave of discussions with major tech firms to support investment in startups looking to apply AI for social good.

We welcome the Andrews Labor Governments enthusiastic support of the Centre and look forward to working with it to maximise the benefit of this technology for all Australians.