Top public servant to lead SA’s office for AI
An experienced public servant will lead South Australia’s Office for AI as the government signals its focus on emerging technologies.
Seasoned public servant Peter Meere has been appointed as director of South Australia’s Office for AI following what the government said was a comprehensive international search.
According to Michael Brown MP, who is assistant minister for artificial intelligence, digital economy, defence and space industries, Meere will drive the South Australian government’s strategic and responsible adoption of AI to ensure public value.
Brown said he would ensure that AI was used safely, ethically and effectively across the public service to improve government services, drive economic growth and support workforce transformation.
Meere joined the Office for AI from the Department for Education, where he was most recently director of strategic policy.
Before this, he was director of policy for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, a senior consultant at Societel Consulting, a senior advisor for the Department of the Prime Minister and principal policy officer for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Meere also spent two and a half years with the federal Attorney-General’s Department, including as an assistant director.
“Peter is an accomplished leader, and I am delighted to have his support and expertise as we continue to grow the public sector’s capacity in AI,” said Brown.
“Peter’s decades of experience in innovation and change within the sector, along with his deep insights into the challenges faced by both technology companies and government departments, will be invaluable as we accelerate forward.”
Brown said Meeres would bring his personal experiences to assist government agencies with the rollout of AI technology.
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“Having a dedicated office working on assisting agencies to develop proof of value concepts will mean that the technology will be adopted across the public sector a lot faster than it would otherwise,” Brown said.
“It’s really an exciting time for South Australia in the AI space, and we’re really keen to build on our current position as a standout in this area.”
The State Government signalled a shift to AI with the appointment of Brown to the newly-created role of assistant minister to the Premier for artificial intelligence and digital economy in the January cabinet reshuffle.
The government committed $28 million in the 2025-26 State Budget for the creation of the Office for AI, with Brown stating that the Labor government “continues to pioneer the responsible adoption of this emerging technology for the benefit of all South Australians”.
“We want every advance in AI to translate into tangible benefits for our state. Imagine healthcare workers spending more time at the bedside and police officers spending less time on paperwork. That’s the practical impact this program aims to deliver,” he said.
