- Seven inaugural members appointed to new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Board
- Members bring AI expertise across a broad range of specialties including technical, legal, academic, cyber security, community engagement and governance
- New AI Board to advise Government on safe use of AI in the public sector
The Cook Government today announced the appointment of seven local experts to join Western Australia's new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Board.
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson welcomed the new Board members, who will provide strategic advice to the State Government on AI projects and the design, build and use of AI or data-driven tools in the public sector.
The members of the new AI Advisory Board include:
- Alex Jenkins, Chair and founder, Curtin AI in Research Group, and director, WA Data Science Innovation Hub;
- Natalia Kacperek, chief data officer, Department of the Premier and Cabinet;
- Dr Wei Liu, associate professor, The University of Western Australia;
- Adam Lloyd, area director Community and Virtual Care, East Metropolitan Health Service;
- Dr Ian Oppermann, co-founder, ServiceGen;
- Janie Plant, senior legal council, Capgemini; and
- Gohar Rind, managing director, Yira Yarkiny Group.
The Board members consist of senior industry leaders and technology specialists, bringing a unique mix of knowledge and leadership in AI ethics, regulation and machine learning capabilities.
Importantly, the new Board represents diversity in perspective including gender, region, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Board members will support a high-impact and emerging area of policy, recognising the transformative potential of AI tools in WA's public sector in a safe and responsible manner.
A key role of the new Board includes supporting the implementation of Western Australia's AI Policy and Assurance Framework, by providing independent, expert advice to support the safe, secure and ethical use of AI across WA's public sector.
The members of the AI Advisory Board will serve a two-year term with the first meeting of the Board planned to take place in the first quarter of 2025.
As stated by Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The appointment of this new AI Advisory Board by the Cook Government will ensure the appropriate checks and balances are in place as AI is increasingly trialled and adopted across Government.
"I would like to congratulate the founding Board members on their appointment. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and diversity in the rapidly evolving AI technology.
"The talent that exists in Western Australia within AI technologies and related areas is inspiring and I look forward to working with the Board members to enable innovative, secure, safe and responsible use of AI across the WA Government.
"The Board's advice will enable our Government to better explore AI opportunities and is crucial to the ethical adoption of AI in the public sector."
