Australian Institute of Company Directors

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the operating environment for organisations across every sector. AI introduces a new category of risk for boards to consider, including the potential for systemic disruption to business models, erosion of competitive advantage, and unintended consequences at scale. From cyber vulnerabilities and data integrity risks to workforce disruption and reputational exposure, AI is not just a technology issue it is a boardroom priority.

As AI adoption accelerates, boards have a critical role to play in ensuring governance frameworks keep pace. Directors must balance innovation and opportunity with appropriate oversight, accountability, risk management and stakeholder trust. Join fellow directors for a practical discussion on the board's role in governing AI and the questions directors should be asking as organisations increasingly integrate AI into their operations.

Drawing on perspectives from across industry, government and organisational leadership, this session will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with large scale transformation. into how organisations can balance ambition with practical delivery, build community trust and position themselves for long term success in a low emissions economy.

When compromise becomes culture The plot centres on a first-time director trying to prove herself, a hapless chairman, and an ambitious CEO willing to rationalise any operational shortcut to protect their flagship product, setting up a classic boardroom breakdown. For Ralph, real-world boardroom drift doesn’t feature moustache-twirling antagonists. “Nobody ever says ‘shut up and say yes’,” she notes.

The warning comes as APRA and ASIC say frontier AI is increasing the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberthreats, putting pressure on boards to ensure they can make critical decisions and recover when incidents unfold at unprecedented speed. Speaking at the launch of MinterEllison’s 11th annual Perspectives on Cyber Risk: The AI Edition report, Rigotti said boards were not ignoring cyber. But after years of dealing with familiar threats, they may be preparing for the wrong thing.

If a boardroom discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) seems overwhelming, don’t panic. There are ways to boost your AI fluency so that you can effectively contribute to sound AI decisions. Katherine Boiciuc GAICD, EY Oceania Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, says AI fluency isn’t technical literacy. “Technical literacy is understanding how an AI model is built. Fluency is knowing what ‘good’ looks like and being able to tell when you’re not getting it.

After their presentation, Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD​ (Non-Executive Director, Fortescue Metals Group Limited​) and Peeyush Gupta AM FAICD​ (Non-Executive Director, Dexus) will be joined by a local panellist bringing a local perspective during the Q&A session. Please note: This is a members-only event, so the ‘Register’ button will only be visible when you are logged into your AICD membership account. Not a member?

Explore more with membership A more tailored membership experience that better reflects your interests, goals and career stage. Grow with the right support at the right time with new stage-specific director toolkits – available now in your Member Portal. More ways to learn, connect, influence and contribute to the future of governance. Nurture your director journey with a unique AICD mentoring opportunity delivered in partnership with Kilfinan Australia.

After their presentation, Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD​ (Non-Executive Director, Fortescue Metals Group Limited​) and Peeyush Gupta AM FAICD​ (Non-Executive Director, Dexus) will be joined by a local panellist bringing a local perspective during the Q&A session. Please note: This is a members-only event, so the ‘Register’ button will only be visible when you are logged into your AICD membership account. Not a member?

On 28 August 2026, the AICD made a submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry into cyber security for small to medium sized businesses and organisations (SMBs) and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs). In our submission, the AICD recognised the significant work already underway through the Australian Cyber Security Strategy, and emphasised the need for practical, risk-based measures that help smaller organisations improve their cyber resilience.