A recent national survey reveals 92% of Australians want homegrown AI capabilities to play a significant role in the country’s future, signaling a clear preference for building and owning AI technology rather than renting from overseas providers.
- 92% of Australians want AI developed locally or with a mix of local and foreign input
- 44% of workers foresee significant job changes due to AI within five years
- Trust in government to manage AI policy rises among those most affected by AI changes
What happened
Following the announcement of Australia’s national AI strategy, a commissioned survey of 1,001 Australians demonstrated that 64% express at least some support for the government’s approach. However, this backing often comes with reservations rather than strong conviction.
When focusing on whether AI technology should be built domestically or imported, 92% of respondents either prefer local development or a combination involving local capabilities, with only 7% happy to rely solely on foreign AI solutions. This sentiment reflects a widespread desire to have control and ownership over Australia’s AI future.
Why it matters
Almost half of Australian workers believe AI will significantly alter or replace their jobs within five years. Importantly, most of these workers are already engaging with AI tools in their roles, underscoring that concerns are founded on experience rather than fear of the unknown.
This group also exhibits higher trust (65%) in the government’s ability to regulate AI appropriately compared to the general population’s 43%. The findings highlight a nuanced public view: Australians want steady progress with careful government involvement, prioritizing domestic innovation rather than a laissez-faire or purely foreign-dependent approach.
What to watch next
National Cabinet is scheduled to meet soon with legislation on AI governance expected early next year. This timeframe presents a critical opportunity to align policy with public expectations that emphasize backing Australian AI startups and technologies as a strategic national asset.
The government’s next steps will reveal whether it responds decisively to calls for homegrown AI development, balancing the pace of progress with regulatory oversight to ensure Australia owns its AI future rather than renting it from abroad.