Shaping AI = Skilling Our People

23 July 2026 - For Immediate Release

"We can't stop it - and we wouldn't want to. But we can shape it - and we have to." - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, 23 July 2026

The Australia Computer Society (ACS) agrees. Australia will not shape AI through regulation, infrastructure and investment alone. As the Prime Minister said, "that means investing in our people".

ACS CEO Dr Prins Ralston said:

"Ultimately, AI will be shaped by the people who build it, govern it and use it. If we want Australia to lead, we have to treat AI and cyber security skills as core national infrastructure - that means skilling the whole workforce and deliberately lifting the capability of our professionals in AI and cyber, not leaving it to chance.

"Australia now has to do the hard work: identify the gaps, fund accredited micro-credentials at scale, and equip workers to lead change rather than simply absorb it. If the Prime Minister is serious about an AI-enabled economy, then the test will be whether government backs workers with real investment in AI skills and training, so we lift productivity and create the future here, instead of importing it from somewhere else."

ACS President Beau Tydd said:

"That responsibility cannot be left to individuals or employers to navigate alone. ACS welcomes the Fair AI Taskforce and its commitment to giving workers a greater say in how AI shapes Australia.

"We look forward to contributing our expertise in workforce capability, professional standards and trusted skills development."

- ENDS -

Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M - 0417 173 740
E - [email protected]

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia's technology sector, representing over 41,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation lab, education programs and our history of over sixty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation's highest growth sector. Visitwww.acs.org.au for more information.