Last week the Fogarty Foundation, in partnership with the Beyond Boundaries Institute, hosted the State of AI in WA Schools Forum at Curtin University on 18–19 November 2025. The Forum brought together over 220 teachers, school leaders, and education specialists from across Western Australia, including representatives from 70 schools and more than 25 regional, rural, and remote educators travelling from locations as far as Port Hedland. The program was also delivered in collaboration with Day of AI Australia and the WA Data Science Innovation Hub.

The event opened with an address from Hon Sabine Winton MLA, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Protection, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, and Community Services. Minister Winton highlighted the critical role of AI in shaping students’ futures and introduced WA ClassmAIte, a cross-sectoral Generative AI project developed by the WA Department of Education and the Federal Government. ClassmAIte supports teachers by reducing workload, assisting with lesson planning, and creating classroom materials tailored to students’ needs in a secure, WA Curriculum-aligned environment.

Keynote presentations and panel discussions explored the latest AI developments, ethical considerations, and practical classroom applications. A standout keynote by Chris Bush, Churchill Fellow, examined how AI can transform education while addressing equity gaps. Bush warned of a “double equity crisis” if AI access is unequal, where traditional educational disparities are amplified. Drawing on international research in Canada, Finland, the UK, and the USA, Bush emphasised the importance of designing AI initiatives with equity at the centre.

“The Fogarty Foundation and Western Australia are taking exactly the right approach in bringing regional and remote educators to the table from day one, not as an afterthought. My research shows AI's biggest impact comes when we deliberately design for equity. With clear national coordination and investment in teacher capability, AI can close educational gaps rather than widen them. Western Australia has the opportunity to be Australia's model for this work.”
— Chris Bush, Keynote Speaker and Churchill Fellow

A panel discussion featuring WA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Sharath Sriram, examined the state’s position on AI in education, highlighting both national and international trends and how WA can strengthen its leadership and capability in this field.

The Forum also featured sector showcases, practical demonstrations, and discussions on topics including classroom-ready AI tools, policy and governance, equitable access, and the digital skills students will need to thrive in the future.

“Educators are no strangers to technologies promising dramatic shifts in teaching and learning. From the calculator to the internet, iPads, and interactive whiteboards, one thing is clear: technology can enable transformation, but it doesn’t guarantee it. Educational outcomes improve when teachers are equipped to harness technology to enhance, but never replace, great teaching. The Fogarty Foundation is committed to ensuring WA teachers and students aren’t left behind, by investing in professional learning to build critical AI literacy skills in the age of AI.”
— Elizabeth Knight, CEO, Fogarty Foundation

The Fogarty Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to education equity and future-ready students, ensuring all WA students have access to meaningful, future-focused learning opportunities. Work in this area will continue into 2026, building on partnerships and ethical, innovative approaches to AI in schools.