Leveraging AI for increased public safety at the Brisbane Olympics

In 2032, Brisbane will be the first Australian city to host the Olympics since the turn of the century. As the city prepares, the number one priority for an event of this scale will be to ensure public safety.

With millions of visitors expected, heightened security risks and a recent rise in the national crime rate, we should embrace cutting-edge technology to create a safe and seamless experience for both visitors and residents of Brisbane alike.

Smart technology presents an unparalleled opportunity to revolutionise public safety, and the use of artificial intelligence-supported security cameras should be at the heart of our strategy.

This technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Unlike traditional security cameras that passively record footage, AI-enhanced systems can actively analyse real-time data to identify potential threats and automatically alert security personnel, allowing for quicker responses.

For Brisbane 2032, an integrated network of these security cameras could provide real-time monitoring across key locations: from stadiums, to transport hubs like the new Roma Street Station, and public gathering spaces.

There is a clear need for a technologically advanced public safety system, with expectations that the new Roma Street Station will service up to 46,000 people every weekday.

Furthermore, AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data quickly is paramount in keeping people safe and helping authorities respond to threats more efficiently.

For example, AI systems can detect unattended bags, flag unusual crowd movements and recognise people exhibiting erratic behaviour, allowing security teams to act proactively rather than reactively. Integrating this with existing public safety infrastructure, such as emergency response systems and law enforcement databases, can create a unified security network.

Beyond immediate threat detection, AI can enhance crowd management by analysing pedestrian flow patterns to optimise crowd movement, thus preventing bottlenecks and ensuring easy access for emergency services. This capability is crucial for an event as dynamic as the Olympics, where thousands of spectators move on foot between venues, public transport and entertainment districts.

AI-assisted analytics can also predict high-traffic areas and suggest alternative routes in real time, improving both safety and efficiency. An example of this is facial recognition technology, which, when used responsibly and with proper privacy safeguards like at the 2025 Australian Open, can assist authorities.

Of course, with great technological advancement comes great responsibility. As Australia embraces AI-powered security, we must address privacy concerns and ethical considerations. Ensuring compliance with Australia’s privacy laws and engaging the public in discussions around AI ethics will be essential in fostering public trust and acceptance of this technology.

The 2032 Brisbane Olympics is a unique opportunity for Australia to showcase its leadership in AI-driven public safety and enhance security to lay the groundwork for safer cities in the future. The time to act is now. Let’s harness AI to make Brisbane 2032 the safest Olympic Games yet.

Joe De Martino is a security specialist at Dahua Technology — one of the world’s largest security providers, specialising in cutting-edge AIoT video monitoring — with over a decade of experience within the artificial intelligence of things industry. He now focuses on leading specialist training programs for home security experts, as community safety becomes increasingly important.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Matt Palmer