The New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, has described the launch of an AI solution to the housing crisis as a "game changer". The system aims to cut red tape and get more homes built quickly, with the goal of being functional by the end of 2025. Other states, such as Tasmania and South Australia, are also exploring AI solutions.
However, experts warn that relying on AI as a quick fix might distract from deeper systemic issues, such as labor market bottlenecks, financial and tax incentives, and shrinking social and affordable housing. Additionally, AI's role in the planning system is unclear, and there's a risk of displacing planners' expertise and blurring responsibility when things go wrong.
The Robodebt scandal, where an automated spreadsheet caused harm to thousands of people and led to a $4.7 billion fiasco, serves as a cautionary tale. Experts emphasize the need for responsible innovation, anticipating risks and unintended consequences, and questioning underlying assumptions about AI's vision and purpose.
AI's lack of transparency and explainability can make it difficult to trace errors, and putting a human in charge of final decisions may not be enough to mitigate risks. Addressing underlying issues is crucial to avoiding similar mistakes.
While AI might offer potential benefits in addressing Australia's housing crisis, it's essential to approach its implementation with caution and careful consideration of the potential risks and challenges. By doing so, policymakers can ensure that AI is used in a way that complements human expertise and promotes responsible innovation.
