CANBERRA, 10 August 2026 - For Immediate Release
ACS welcomes the South Australian Government’s decision to establish a Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence, but warns that AI infrastructure without the skills to use it will not deliver its full economic and social potential.
ACS Chief Executive Officer Dr Prins Ralston says, "We agree with Premier Malinauskas that the real opportunity is not simply in what AI infrastructure we build, but in how effectively people are able to use it.
"Australia must invest just as deliberately in educating our population, building digital capability and strengthening the technology profession as we do in data centres, compute and other infrastructure. We need a workforce with the skills, professional standards, and confidence to deploy AI responsibly and productively."
According to the 2026 Digital Pulse Report, South Australia’s technology sector contributed $5 billion to the state economy in 2025, supported by 44,200 technology workers. Of those, 18 per cent already specialise in data and AI. South Australia will need an additional 10,000 tech workers by 2035.
"Investment in infrastructure must be matched by investment in people and professional capability. That is how Australia ensures we shape the AI era, rather than simply being shaped by it," says Ralston.
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Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M – 0417 173 740
E – troy.steer@acs.org.au
About ACS
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 41,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation lab, education programs and our history of over sixty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.