AI with human values
Syfre is a Brisbane-based AI consultancy built on a straightforward belief: artificial intelligence should augment human capability, not replace human judgement. Every system we build, every governance framework we deliver, and every strategy we recommend is grounded in this principle.
We work with ambitious organisations across Queensland — from state government agencies navigating QGEA compliance to private sector teams building their first AI systems. The common thread is a commitment to doing AI responsibly, with governance and ethics built in from day one.
Why Queensland
Queensland is building some of the most thoughtful AI governance frameworks in Australia. The QGEA AI Governance Policy, the FAIRA risk assessment process, and the commitment to the 8 Australian AI Ethics Principles set a high bar — and that is exactly the environment where responsible AI consultancies should operate.
Syfre is headquartered in Brisbane because this is where the work matters most. State agencies need partners who understand their governance obligations. Councils need AI that works within municipal constraints. Queensland Health needs solutions that prioritise clinical safety and reach rural communities. We are building for this specific context, not applying generic frameworks from elsewhere.
What we believe
AI augments, it does not replace
The best AI systems make humans better at what they do. They handle the repetitive, surface the relevant, and free people to apply judgement, creativity, and empathy — the things machines cannot do.
Governance is not a blocker
Done well, governance accelerates AI deployment. It gives teams confidence to move forward, stakeholders confidence to approve, and communities confidence to trust. We embed governance from concept, not as a retrofit.
Evidence over claims
We produce artefacts, not assertions. Every governance commitment is documented, version-controlled, and auditable. If we cannot evidence it, we do not claim it.
Practical over theoretical
We build and deploy AI systems. Our strategies are grounded in what we know works in production, not what looks good in a slide deck. Engineering reality shapes every recommendation.
Founded by practitioners
Steve Macfarlane
Founder & AI Consultant
Steve founded Syfre to bridge the gap between AI capability and responsible deployment. With a background in technology consulting and a focus on the Queensland market, he leads Syfre's work across strategy, governance, and hands-on AI delivery for both public and private sector clients.