As a technology researcher and lecturer, I am seeing first-hand the worrying impacts of the race to deploy Generative AI (chatbots and large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and CoPilot). 

I'm concerned that Merri-bek City Council is actively exploring how to use GenAI, but there is no evidence that they are seriously weighing the risks and negative impacts.

Rushing to adopt GenAI and automation technologies in local councils and tax-payer funded institutions: 

• puts at risk essential council services, with real impacts for people who depend on them
• means fewer jobs for local workers, and jobs that are less fulfilling
• will be costly, reducing money available for local business contracts and services
• transfers tax-payer money to large overseas technology companies.

Communities have the right to a say in decisions that affect our future, including those which may impact local services, business contracts, council spending, and the conditions and availability of council jobs. This is especially important in the context of unsubstantiated hype about GenAI, extensive marketing about its supposed benefits, shadowy financial deals and negotiations behind closed doors.  

Local councils should proactively develop a policy to guide the use of so-called "artificial intelligence" technologies. Policy should take into account the voice of community, social and environmental harms and independent academic expertise, through advisory panels that include community groups and citizens, technology ethicists and local businesses.

Sign this petition to call on Merri-bek City Council to show proactive leadership, listen to community and develop a policy that cuts through the AI hype and reflects community’s values and needs.