Human Rights Council – 49th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Gerard Quinn

14 March 2022

Australian Statement

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report on Artificial Intelligence and the rights of persons with disabilities, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of these emerging technologies.

With support provided through Australia’s world-leading National Disability Insurance Scheme, many Australians with disabilities are already using AI and other machine learning technologies in their everyday lives, including to help with communication and reading.

To better understand the ongoing role of AI in disability supports, Australia is developing a “Framework and Roadmap for AI and other innovative technologies as supports under the NDIS”. Once released, the Framework will help match technology options to a person’s individual support needs, all while ensuring the individual is at the centre of decision-making.

To mitigate the risks of AI, Australia encourages States to maintain and uphold all human rights, including by providing strong anti-discrimination and privacy legislation, and by fully and meaningfully consulting persons with disabilities.

Australia asks the Special Rapporteur: What can States do to help the private sector better incorporate the experience, skills, and expertise of people with disabilities when developing new technologies?