AI in Australia's interests

The Albanese Labor Government will introduce a world-leading artificial intelligence framework to ensure Australia can capture the opportunity, share the benefits and keep Australians safe.

We will do that the Australian way – without undercutting conditions, dividing communities or damaging our environment.

The Government will introduce a set of Australian Standards for AI, building on the Data Centre Expectations, with our values as the benchmark to ensure AI works in Australia’s interests.

The new standards will set out clear rules for large data centres— including a legal obligation to underwrite their own new power supply, pay their full share of connection costs so energy bills are not impacted, reduce power when needed to strengthen the grid, and be as water efficient as possible. 

The Federal Government will also work with State and Territories to ensure large data centres are built in the most appropriate locations, and with input from local communities.

Effective today, the Office of AI will be established within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to accelerate implementation of the Australian Standards on a national level.

The Government’s approach will be considered by National Cabinet in August, with standards expected to be legislated early next year.

The implementation of these standards will deliver a simple, consistent regulatory framework for large data centres and AI training and be the first to be legislated by a government worldwide.

The Government’s approach will help further grow Australia’s economy, strengthen our sovereignty, secure benefits consistent with our national interests, and lift our standard of living.

The AI Standards will deliver greater clarity, speed up approvals and streamline the process for verifying compliance with energy, water, safety and other requirements.

The Government will also ensure the strongest possible protection for Australian artists and media.

Our approach will ensure Australian writers, artists and journalists retain ownership over their work, meaning no company should use Australian creative works to train AI without the artist’s control.

The Government will also outline its whole-of-government AI consumer safety priorities in coming weeks, building on the recent establishment of the AI Safety Institute.

The Government has every confidence that Australia can seize this moment of technological advancement and make it our own, while ensuring AI stands for Australia’s interests.                          

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese: 

“This world-leading framework is about Australia choosing to shape the future rather than letting the future of AI shape us.

“This framework is about protecting our national interests and ensuring certainty for growth, jobs and investment.

“If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests."

Quotes attributable to Senator Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science: 

“A Future Made in Australia is all about shaping Australia’s industrial and technological future in the national interest and in the interest of every Australian.

“That means securing critical AI investments here so Australians shape the future.

“Australian Standards for AI strengthen Australia’s framework to make sure AI investments are on Australia’s terms and strengthen our resilience, security and economy.”

Quotes attributable to Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy: 

“Australia has an opportunity to ensure that new technology delivers inclusive, safe and sustainable growth, with shared benefits for our workers, and the community.

“Establishing a clear and enforceable social licence for AI is fundamental towards achieving this objective.”