Submission to the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet on AI
SVA’s submission on AI infrastructure calls for lasting public benefits, usable access for charities and community organisations, and protection for people least able to bear the costs. It proposes practical measures for community influence, transparency and accountability.
Australia’s investment in AI infrastructure should deliver lasting benefits for people and communities. In this submission, Social Ventures Australia (SVA) sets out how proposed standards for large data centres and the training of advanced AI models can support that goal.
Submitted to the Australian Government’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, it responds to the consultation Getting it right: Building AI infrastructure that works for Australia. SVA’s focus is on who gains access, who bears costs and whose voice shapes decisions.
The submission makes six recommendations. It calls for measurable Australian public benefits and an ongoing share of computing capacity reserved for public-interest use, with practical support so charities and community organisations can benefit.
It also seeks protection for households and services from infrastructure costs and risks; early, supported community participation; and accountable commitments on community benefits, employment and skills. Usable information about AI models’ capabilities and limitations, clear regulatory responsibilities, public reporting and evaluation would help organisations use the technology responsibly.
SVA also emphasises transparent environmental performance, community involvement in governing public-interest access, and partnership with First Nations rights holders.
These proposals reflect SVA’s vision of an Australia where people and communities thrive. Read the full submission to explore practical ways AI investment can contribute to that vision.
