The NSW Government has rolled out a new artificial intelligence (AI) strategy Premier Gladys Berejiklian hopes will help generate thousands of tech jobs and deliver better services.

“This is great news for citizens, researchers and businesses. We know how important AI is and this strategy puts us at the forefront of this emerging space,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics will play a pivotal role in shaping our state’s future economy and we cannot be spectators on the sidelines. We must lead and be the engine room for future jobs.”

The Premier said the new measures would lead to an increase in demand for IT professionals, cyber security experts, data scientists, and engineers.

The measure also establishes a committee, chaired by the NSW Government Chief Data Scientist Ian Oppermann, charged with overseeing the use of AI across government.

Minister for Public Service Victor Dominello said the committee was a key example of how the government was pushing forward with the technology to be used safely across government with the right safeguards in place.

“The first of its kind in Australia, the committee will be pivotal in building community trust in the work that we do,” he said.

Officials say the new strategy also prioritises industry, by encouraging the development of AI skills in government and strengthening industry partnerships through what is refered to as a consistent approach to procurement of AI products and services.

The NSW government has been vocal about its commitment to making the state a digital hub, also having recently launched policies on the Internet of Things and Smart Infrastructure.

Also, this past February, the state launched the cutting-edge NSW digital twin.

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