South Australia has officially kicked off its new ‘Office for AI’, backed by a $28 million splash from the 2025-26 state budget to get artificial intelligence projects up and running in government.

The office, which sits under the Department of Treasury and Finance, is on the lookout for a director to steer the ship, supported by a small crew of four full-time staff. Once up and running, it’ll dish out funding to other government agencies keen to trial AI projects through an open application process.

The plan is to use AI to drive down costs and make government services run smoother, with healthcare and policing earmarked as areas where the tech could make a real difference. The government’s vision is to support a variety of AI uses across departments, developing trusted tech solutions that can be rolled out in multiple ways.

This move follows the earlier appointment of Michael Brown as Assistant Minister to the Premier for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy. He said the aim is clear: turn AI advances into practical wins for South Australians. “Imagine healthcare workers spending more time at the bedside and police officers less time on paperwork,” Brown said. “That’s the practical impact this program aims to deliver.”

The incoming AI director won’t just lead projects – they’ll also help shape the state’s overall AI strategy, develop governance frameworks, and work closely with industry and research partners to make sure everything stays on track.

All up, SA’s gearing up to be a serious player in AI adoption, with the new office set to drive innovation and help boost efficiency across government services.