The Canberra-based company has been a champion for the cause of sovereign AI. Photo: Trellis Data.
One of Australia’s leading artificial intelligence companies has applauded the Albanese Government’s recognition of sovereign capability as a national priority for the years ahead.
In the latest administrative arrangements order for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, a new priority was added as a matter dealt with by the department.
“Economic security and sovereign capability as it relates to Australian industry, science and resources” was listed among related priorities, such as “critical technology policy development”.
Canberra-based artificial intelligence company Trellis Data has welcomed the inclusion of the priority, stating that the policy aligns with the company’s long-held position in relation to the role of sovereign AI capability for innovation and resilience.
“We are excited to see the government taking concrete steps towards prioritising sovereign capability,” Trellis Data CEO Michael Gately said.
“We hope this new policy priority will explicitly recognise the importance of sovereign AI capability in promoting economic security and national interests, particularly in today’s increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape.”
The company, which develops domestic artificial intelligence solutions, applauded the government for demonstrating a “commitment to national security, protecting sensitive information and intellectual property”.
The company has been calling for investment into sovereign AI, especially in relation to an Australian Information Industry Association submission warning that without domestic AI investment, Australia could become a “global laggard.”
Trellis has highlighted the potential of AI applications in government and commercial enterprises to promote economic growth and bolster national security.
The company has a broader intention of aligning AI with “Australian values and interests”.
Highlighting the risk of public servants using unmonitored AI tools, Trellis has created a suite of AI solutions designed to be used in a disconnected environment that keeps sensitive data in-house.
This reduces the risk of data valuable to national security being leaked or used maliciously.
The company’s products – Trellis Secure Chat, Secure Speech and Secure Visions – are among the tools they believe will ensure the safety of AI use within the public service.
“We look forward to working closely with the government and other local partners to develop and deploy sovereign AI capabilities that meet the needs of Australian organisations and promote economic security and national interests,” Mr Gately said.
