The Western Australian Government is committed to artificial intelligence (AI) for the public sector, launching an AI Center of Excellence and supporting it with a $10 million AI Investment Fund.
The fund will be used to attract industry and university partnership opportunities to pilot and scale initiatives that provide productivity and service delivery benefits.
WA Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson said it would be supported by a government purchasing mechanism to facilitate easy access to major AI businesses.
“Advances in AI present significant opportunities to enhance service delivery across government functions,” he said.
“Establishing the AI Center of Excellence and Investment Fund will ensure Western Australia remains at the forefront of technological innovation and ensures the public sector has the resources it needs to meet evolving needs.”
The opportunities for using AI within the public sector are vast and have the potential to improve community safety, reduce approval times, ensure more effective and efficient service delivery, and improve health and education outcomes across the state.
AI for civil servants
The minister said the AI Center of Excellence will equip the public sector to deploy AI solutions that reduce administrative burden, improve decision-making and process information faster.
The AI Improvement team provides expertise to help agencies deliver high-value AI solutions that can be scaled across sectors. This team complements the central AI policy and governance team and will continue to help agencies use AI safely and responsibly.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to future-proofing and building the essential skills and infrastructure that will prepare our state for the years ahead,” Mr Dawson said.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the WA Government’s Digital Strategy 2026-2030, which focuses on improving data sharing, strengthening public sector collaboration, upskilling the workforce and increasing the use of AI.
