Victoria unveils vision to become nation’s AI leader

AI Mission Statement positions Victoria to lead Australia in artificial intelligence and harness its potential to drive innovation, jobs and economic growth.

The Victorian Government says it is focused on building public trust in the technologies to unlock the economic potential of AI, which could generate up to $30 billion in GSP over the next 10 years.

Framework

The Statement sets out a strategic framework for AI investment and positions Victoria as a national leader in safe, trusted AI development, adoption and infrastructure, supported by a skilled workforce.

The Statement is underpinned by six key pillars:

• investment attraction and adoption
• data centres and digital infrastructure
• local innovation
• products and services
• talent and workforce
• ethical AI use
• public sector adoption.

Support initiatives

The Statement is backed by two new initiatives aimed at seizing the economic opportunities AI presents while ensuring people and businesses are protected.

The $5.5 million Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan will help Victoria harness its land, energy and talent to unlock projects valued at up to $25 billion, establishing the state as the Asia-Pacific hub for sustainable data centres.

Data on transport, energy and water will help determine the most sustainable locations for new data centres, while partnerships with TAFEs will develop the skilled workforce needed to support them.

The $8.2 million Digital Jobs – AI Career Conversion program will safeguard jobs in industries at risk from AI, upskilling workers to transition into AI roles and become specialists in the technology.

The AI Mission Statement is aligned to the Economic Growth Statement and its innovative and competitive advantage aims in key priority sectors, including digital technologies.

The AI Mission Statement notes that Melbourne is already home to 188 AI companies and around 22 per cent of all clustered AI firms in Australia – the largest concentration in Australia.

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said: “We’re embracing AI with the same bold ambition that has made Victoria a global innovation leader, paving the way for our state to become the nation’s capital of AI. Our AI Mission Statement outlines how Victoria will seize the potential of AI to accelerate innovation, lift productivity and grow our economy.”

Read the full statement

Victorian Chamber training

Ready to shift gears and pick up speed? The Victorian Chamber's Practical AI for Business training cuts through the AI hype with a practical, hands-on workshop designed for busy business leaders and teams.   

In one full day, you’ll learn how to apply AI safely and strategically to boost productivity, streamline workflows and drive growth. 

This interactive in person session focuses on real-world tools and techniques – helping you optimise what you already have, master effective prompting and create personalised AI workflows that deliver measurable results. The course is jam-packed so come prepared with your (fully charged) laptop and AI tool.  

View more information and register