CANBERRA - The Australian government launched the country's first artificial intelligence (AI) Month on Wednesday, encouraging safe and responsible use of the technology.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic officially launched the inaugural AI Month by opening a new AI exhibition at Questacon, Australia's National Science and Technology Center in Canberra.

An initiative of the National AI Centre (NAIC), which sits within the national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), AI Month will run from Nov 15 to Dec 15 and bring together experts, researchers, organizations and entrepreneurs to discuss Australia's plan for the AI future.

"The rapid advancements in AI this year have emphasized the need for Australia to seize the AI opportunity and accelerate its global competitiveness," NAIC Director Stela Solar said in a statement.

More than 50 events hosted by 40 organizations will be held around Australia during AI month, including workshops, panel discussions, conference and hackathons to highlight AI opportunities and best practices.

Husic announced a new partnership between the CSIRO's data and digital arm Data61 and five universities including the Australian National University (ANU) to keep Australians safe at work using new digital technologies.

The 18 million Australian dollar (11.6 million US dollar) Tech4HSE program will unite leading researchers in emerging fields such as generative and immersive AI, cybersecurity and augmented reality to aid people working in dangerous environments.

Husic said in a statement that the first project under the partnership would focus on improving safety for workers in the energy industry.