As another fire season begins, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is deploying a new tool to combat the threat: artificial intelligence (AI). This cutting-edge technology is not a replacement for traditional firefighting methods like helicopters or volunteer brigades, but an advanced digital ally that enhances the region’s emergency response capabilities.
At the ACT Emergency Services Agency headquarters, fire tower operator Andrew Beer monitors the vast capital region through a network of remote video cameras strategically placed across the landscape. Describing the impact of AI, Beer uses phrases such as “major benefit,” “really, really helpful,” and “a great backup.”
“Once upon a time, we had people in fire towers on high fire danger days,” Beer explains. “AI works 24-7, so it’s always there, it’s never asleep, and it’s the first port of call to identify fire incidents.”
AI’s Role in Fire Detection and Safety
Rohan Scott, chief officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service (RFS), echoes Beer’s enthusiasm. “The introduction of AI is seeing significant improvements in how we detect fire and gather intelligence for real-time monitoring,” Scott says. The ACT RFS began experimenting with AI just before the devastating summer of 2019-2020, prompted by an incident involving a fire tower operator.
“The AI is getting smarter and smarter as we use it,” Scott notes. “It now determines whether a fire is dust or fertilizer spreading, or if it’s steam from a passing storm. As it’s being used, it’s getting a lot more accurate for us and our ability to make decisions in a timely manner.”
“AI is actually then giving us that reassurance and confirmation of our decisions and our commitment to those resources out on the fire ground.” — Rohan Scott
AI’s Expanding Influence in Public Services
Bettina Konti, interim director general of Digital Canberra, highlights AI’s integration into various sectors beyond emergency services. “AI is here. It will continue to grow and evolve, despite us and without us,” Konti asserts. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI and mitigating any adverse consequences.
AI is already making strides in fire safety, road monitoring, healthcare, and education. However, Konti stresses the necessity of human oversight. “We can’t just implement an AI-enabled solution and let it rip. Someone needs to monitor it on an ongoing basis,” she warns.
AI in Healthcare: A Transformative Potential
AI’s potential in healthcare is particularly promising. “AI won’t just help reduce the administrative burden for healthcare providers, but also aid in detecting diseases,” Konti explains. Purnima Bhat, a gastroenterologist in Canberra, confirms AI’s role in revolutionizing patient care, especially in procedures like colonoscopies.
“AI has just revolutionized what we’re doing now for patient care in many ways … and it’s improving day by day.” — Dr. Purnima Bhat
While AI-assisted detection equipment increases competence, Bhat acknowledges that experienced specialists remain superior. “We’re finding a lot more lesions, hopefully preventing more cancers, but the data is still not entirely clear,” she admits.
AI in Education: A Game-Changer
AI is also transforming the ACT school system. While students have informally used AI for assessments, the ACT education system is now officially incorporating AI tools for teachers and students. “The student-facing platform here is Google, which includes AI assistant Gemini,” Konti mentions.
Amaroo School principal Ed Cuthbertson sees AI as a “game-changer” for teachers, allowing them to tailor lessons to diverse student needs. “Time is a huge pressure in teaching, and AI helps speed up the administrative component,” Cuthbertson explains.
“It can do a lot of the doing, but it can’t replace thinking. And that’s where your job as a teacher is around, how do you stimulate? How do you allow kids to make that connection?” — Ed Cuthbertson
Despite the benefits, Cuthbertson acknowledges the concerns about AI, particularly in the creative and artistic realms. “When you find time, it’s a vacuum and it fills with other things,” he reflects, hoping AI will prioritize the important over the urgent.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in enhancing public services in the ACT is undeniable. However, the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human oversight remains crucial. The future will determine how these advancements shape sectors like emergency response, healthcare, and education, ultimately aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and learning outcomes for all.
