Peter Meere has been appointed as the inaugural director of South Australia’s Office for AI, taking on a role that will shape how artificial intelligence is adopted and applied across the state’s public sector.
Following a national search, Meere joins the South Australian Government with a clear brief: to ensure that AI is introduced in a way that delivers public value while maintaining high standards of safety, ethics and transparency. His work will focus on using AI to improve public services, encourage innovation-driven growth and help prepare the workforce for technological change.
Meere brings years of public sector experience, with a reputation for driving reform in areas where technology and policy intersect. He has worked on some of Australia’s most complex government initiatives, leading large-scale policy and system changes across departments including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
In his most recent role, Meere led the South Australian Department for Education’s response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in schools. That policy has been recognised nationally for striking a careful balance between innovation and responsible use, ensuring AI technologies are introduced in ways that enhance learning while protecting students and teachers.
South Australia’s Minister for Public Sector, Michael Brown, said Meere’s appointment comes at an important time as government agencies adapt to emerging technologies.
“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,” Brown said. “His decades of experience in innovation and change within the sector, along with his understanding of both government and technology environments, will be invaluable as we accelerate forward.”
The creation of the Office for AI is part of a broader move by the South Australian Government to embed responsible technology use across its operations. The new office is expected to play a coordinating role, helping departments adopt AI tools that improve decision-making and service delivery, while ensuring strong governance and accountability.
Observers say Meere’s mix of policy experience and practical leadership will be key to bridging the gap between government processes and the fast-evolving AI landscape. His appointment signals a commitment to thoughtful implementation, where the focus is on outcomes for citizens rather than technology for its own sake.
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