Royal Commission into AI announced

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, has announced that South Australia will launch a Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Premier says that the technology presents opportunities but warns that unchecked development could pose risks to society and the future of work.

The Commissioners will examine the impacts of AI on a number of areas – including health.

The government intends to appoint a panel of commissioners with relevant expertise to lead the Royal Commission. The Commission is expected to hear evidence and receive submissions from a broad cross-section of the South Australian community, including business, industry bodies, unions, technology developers, academics, independent experts and representatives of creative industries.

The Commission was announced to commence on 1 October 2026 and is expected to be finalised 1 July 2027.

How healthcare businesses and insurers can prepare

Businesses located in South Australia using AI can take steps now in preparation for the Royal Commission:

1. Consider how your business and employees are using AI. Are you familiar with all of the uses and are there appropriate policies in place regulating the use of AI. Healthcare businesses should also consider whether appropriate consents and disclosures are in place
2. Privacy implications – do you understand the privacy risks and are there safeguards and policies in place to protect personal information?
3. AI governance – does your organisation have in place structures and policies to ensure the oversight and management of AI?
4. Businesses may wish to make a proactive submission to the commission, or may be called upon to make submissions, provide evidence or attend as a witness. Businesses ought to identify who in the business has expertise in this area and how a response will be coordinated if your business is called upon.

How Sparke Helmore can assist

Sparke Helmore has a team of health and technology specialists with experience representing clients called before Royal Commissions including the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission. We are monitoring the terms of reference and developments of the Royal Commission, and we are ready to assist clients to respond to requests for information or to give evidence before the Commission. Reach out to Marie-Clare Elder, Health team leader, or one of the authors about how we can assist.