Australia's AI Regulatory Laxity: A Recipe for Disaster

Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the University of New South Wales AI Institute, has sounded a stark warning about Australia's lack of regulation on artificial intelligence (AI). In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra, Walsh warned that the country is unprepared for the "supercharged" harms that can be inflicted by unregulated AI. With AI continuing to gain momentum and become increasingly integrated into our lives, it has never been more important to take a closer look at Australia's current regulatory landscape.

Australia's lack of guardrails on AI technology puts young people at risk, according to Walsh. He cited the story of 16-year-old American Adam Raine, who took his own life in April 2025 after months of escalating conversations with ChatGPT about self-harm. This tragic incident has sparked a lawsuit against OpenAI, which is being accused of wrongful death. Dr. Walsh argues that such incidents could have been prevented if AI had been regulated more effectively.

The Australian government's approach to AI regulation has been criticized by Walsh for being inadequate and too influenced by big tech companies. He calls for greater investment in AI research and development, as well as the establishment of an independent body to advise on how to profit from AI while minimizing its harms. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that Australia benefits from the technological advancements without putting citizens at risk.

In contrast, countries like South Korea have taken a more proactive approach to regulating AI. In January 2023, South Korea introduced what it said was the world's first comprehensive set of laws regulating AI, with the aim of strengthening trust and safety in the sector. Similarly, Japan, China, Taiwan, Sweden, and Canada have also enacted AI regulations to mitigate its negative impacts.

Dr. Walsh also highlights the significant financial incentives for tech companies to move quickly and break things, including the mental health of young people. The lack of regulation is having a devastating impact on our youth, with many turning to chatbots like ChatGPT for support that can be harmful instead. This is a stark reminder of the need for Australia to take bold action to regulate AI effectively.

In conclusion, Australia's lax approach to regulating AI puts its citizens at risk and undermines the country's ability to benefit from this technology. With the devastating example of Adam Raine's tragic death, it is clear that urgent action needs to be taken to establish robust regulatory frameworks for AI. Dr. Walsh's warnings should not be ignored, as they highlight the urgent need for Australia to address its AI regulatory shortcomings before it's too late.

The future of Australia depends on taking a proactive approach to regulating AI, rather than shipping red dirt and coal to China. The country needs to invest in the upsides of AI and establish an independent body to advise on how to profit from this technology while minimizing its harms. By doing so, Australia can ensure that it reaps the benefits of AI without putting citizens at risk.

As Dr. Walsh said, "What makes Australia special that we'll see the benefits of AI without making the sort of investments other nations are?" The answer to this question lies in taking bold action to regulate AI effectively and ensuring that our future is built on the advancement of technology, rather than its reckless exploitation.

Ultimately, it is up to the Australian government to take responsibility for regulating AI and prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens. With Dr. Walsh's warnings serving as a wake-up call, there has never been a more important time to act on this issue.