Australia weighs ban on take-home school assessments over AI concerns as minister calls urgent meeting after airport near-miss

New South Wales deputy premier Prue Car has asked the state's Education Standards Authority (Nesa) to impose a moratorium on unsupervised take-home assessments for students while a broad review examines the impact of artificial intelligence on learning. Half of students' HSC results are based on school assessments, some of which are completed outside the classroom.

Car said she asked Nesa to urgently examine AI's use in schools, citing growing evidence that the technology is affecting students' cognitive development. She said AI has real potential to support teaching, but should not replace the thinking, creativity and effort that education is meant to build. If Nesa agrees, any interim changes could take effect from the start of term four.

Near-miss at Sydney airport

Federal transport minister Catherine King asked Airservices Australia to meet with her on Sunday to discuss a way forward following an incident in which two aircraft, operated by Jetstar and Qatar Airways, nearly collided at Sydney airport, the nation's busiest, on Sunday morning. The Jetstar aircraft was following air traffic control instructions when its pilots had to brake sharply as the other plane came into close proximity. Investigators suspect a tug vehicle towing the Qatar aircraft may not have followed instructions.

The incident followed delays to more than 150 flights through Sydney on Saturday, caused by staffing shortages. An airline industry representative said air traffic control had been unable to roster enough staff for three consecutive days.

Separately, the government announced the national bulk billing rate rose to 84.1% in the June quarter, with increases recorded across every state and territory.