Australia’s AI security risk escalates due to lack of local software expertise, warns Mainecode CEO Dave Lempers
Australia’s lack of software expertise in AI security poses a significant national risk. The country’s dependency on foreign technology could leave it vulnerable in a crisis.
Dave Lempers, CEO of Australian AI company Mainecode, argues that Australia needs independent AI capabilities.
He believes a consistent and dependable supply of AI is crucial for national security and defence posture. “We don’t have the stack,” Lempers stated, highlighting the absence of core compute capabilities and a national provider of essential digital infrastructure.
We don’t have the stack. We don’t have those core compute capabilities.
Dave Lempers, CEO, Mainecode
Australia’s AI security gap
Lempers explained that without local AI models, Australia risks being cut off from crucial technology, especially in scenarios where international access is restricted. He noted that many organisations face economic constraints due to limited access to foreign AI models.
He warned that relying on foreign technology is not a sustainable strategy for national security. “I don’t think the government is thinking about it,” Lempers said, criticising the lack of forward planning.
Highlighting the importance of national infrastructure, Lempers pointed out that the government has traditionally relied on international alliances for technology needs. However, this approach may not suffice in the future landscape of AI.
Moreover, Lempers emphasised the legal and ethical challenges businesses face when using foreign AI services.
He cited examples of intellectual property being inadvertently exposed to third parties, stressing the need for more control over data.
Looking ahead, Lempers believes that Australia must invest in building its software capabilities and infrastructure to ensure technological independence.
This, he argues, will not only protect national interests but also enable Australia to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
