Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming — it’s already here, and an AI Forum Highlighted Rapid Progress.
But how widespread is it really? And how will it reshape our work, our businesses, our communities, and Australia’s place in the world? Many experts believe AI adoption is still in its infancy — perhaps less than 1% of its full impact. What happens as that accelerates?
- Prof John Quiggan John is a prominent Australian economist, Professor at The University of Queensland, and a prolific commentator on economic policy, known for his work on climate change, energy scenarios and risk analysis. He is a fellow of several learned societies, a former Climate Change Authority board member, and has followed trends in AI for over 30 years. John has produced over 2,000 publications, including books like Zombie Economics: How Dead Ideas Still Walk Among Us and Economics in Two Lessons: Why Markets Work so Well and Why They Can Fail so Badly (LinkedIn Profile)
- Dr Hugh Butler. Scientist, Entrepreneur, Author of books on innovation. Hugh has spent his career in science, innovation and societal changes. He provided 4 scenarios of how AI will change our local and global society – labour, health and robotics. And war. (Linkedin Profile)
- Ben van Klinken. A musician, a political scientist, and now a business entrepreneur with over 3 successful startups, Ben has seen his productivity rise by over 6 times using AI. He has to use AI to be competitive in his business, but is very concerned about the guardrails of AI, and what it means for his children. (LinkedIn Profile)
- Greg Hoskin IT Consultant. Greg is very concerned about the impact of AI on our society. Will we be ready for it? Greg proposes significant changes in the political and governance and the benefits and rewards. Do current politicians need to sit up and take notice? He wants to start a discussion of a framework for the biggest revolution since the Industrial Revolution. (COAD Profile)
The panel was convened by Linda Taylor
