By https://www.abc.net.au/news/cameron-wilson/10952362
Publication Date: 2026-05-29 00:42:00
A philosopher and Royal Australian Air Force reservist has been chosen to lead the federal government’s efforts to protect Australians from the harms of artificial intelligence.
Two sources who knew of the appointment but were not authorized to speak publicly told the ABC that Kate Conroy started as the Australian AI Safety Institute’s first director-general earlier this month.
The Institute is a new government institution located within the Ministry of Industry, Science and Resources. It is not a stand-alone, independent regulatory authority.
Its mission is to monitor, test and share information about emerging AI capabilities, risks and harms.
A spokesperson for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources confirmed the appointment.
“Dr Conroy has been appointed general manager of AI governance. This team is working to establish the Australian AI Safety Institute,” they said.
Dr. Conroy takes on the role as Australia works to regulate AI, with the technology already integrated into…
