STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:40): National Youth Parliament has just been in the building this week, and this was a speech given by Sophia, the representative for Hunter: AI is becoming increasingly pervasive across our society, reshaping how we work, communicate, learn, make decisions and engage with the world. The sentence you just heard was written entirely by AI.

Around 40% of Australian SMEs have adopted AI, and Australia is now home to more than 1,500 AI companies. This shows something important. AI isn't going away, nor should we want it to.

But if we embrace its potential, we must also establish clear boundaries for how it operates. When an automated system materially affects a person's life, they should be able to understand the basis of the decision and, where appropriate, have access to meaningful human review. That is why I support a risk based approach to regulation.

If AI determines whether someone gets a job, receives essential services or is subject to a significant government decision, Australians should be able to distinguish technological innovation from deliberate deception. But regulation alone is not enough. We must equip all Australians with the literacy to question AI, recognise bias, identify misinformation and understand its limitations in the years ahead.

Speaker, I am not advocating for an Australia afraid of AI. I am advocating for an Australia prepared for it. We should strike a balance where AI works for Australians, not the other way around.

Innovation should be responsibly encouraged, but accountability should never be optional. Thank you, Sophia.