ADM+S researchers share perspectives on the digital future with Queensland Parliament
Author Kathy Nickels
Date 25 May 2024
ADM+S researchers Prof Daniel Angus and Assoc Prof Nicholas Carah, and communication scholar Dr Susan Grantham, were invited to share their perspectives on the evolving digital world with policy-makers and ministers in a lunchtime event held at Queensland Parliament house on 20 March.
In his address to members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, Prof Daniel Angus, Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making at QUT, spoke about the challenges presented by AI and digital media for the Government.
“While it’s important to allow room for speculation on what futures we imagine and what role such technology can and should play, there are immediate and well-documented challenges that governments can address,” said Prof Angus.
“We know that AI systems, having been trained on data of varying quality can replicate and perpetuate societal inequalities by replicating hegemonic structures.”
Prof Angus also spoke about the many opportunities for Government.
“Enhanced planning and decision-making tools powered by AI can revolutionize governance and public service delivery.
“Queensland also has some of the world’s most respected minds and the potential to become a global leader in the development of socially-responsible AI, setting the standard for ethical and equitable AI implementation.”
In his address to parliament, Prof Angus said it’s crucial to recognise that technical disruption is inherently social disruption.
“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and digital media, we must adopt a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates humanities and social sciences perspectives, and avoids technologically deterministic thinking that erase the role of humans within these systems.
“Each of us also has a role to play in safeguarding and improving the quality of democracy and our shared culture, particularly as leaders in our community. By closing the gaps in our society, we can also ensure that Queensland is prepared to seize the opportunities presented by new technologies and we can see our state thrive in the digital age.”
The event series Queensland Future Conversations is hosted by the University of Queensland, QUT, and Griffith University. The series offers policy-makers and members of Parliament an audience with academic experts to learn more about key topics and issues facing society.
Read the full speech to parliament Challenges and Opportunities for an Evolving Digital World
