Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined the government’s vision for artificial intelligence (AI) at the University of Sydney, announcing a national framework aimed at ensuring AI development occurs in Australia’s national interest while protecting workers, creators and communities.
Speaking at the University’s Camperdown campus, Albanese said Australia had an opportunity to shape the future of AI rather than simply respond to technological change.
The Prime Minister announced that a new Office of AI would be established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate the government’s approach and accelerate the implementation of Australian Standards for AI.
“These standards will be clear, consistent and mandatory,” Albanese said, adding that legislation would be introduced early next year.
The proposed framework will establish rules for large-scale data centres, including requirements around energy supply, water efficiency, environmental impact and community consultation. Large data centres will be required to underwrite new power supply and ensure their growth does not place pressure on household energy costs.
Albanese said Australia’s approach would focus on capturing the economic opportunities of AI while maintaining public trust.
“We can bring our enduring values of fairness and opportunity to this task to ensure that AI earns its social licence; driving growth without undercutting conditions, fragmenting our society or damaging our environment.”
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns from Australia’s creative industries, saying writers, musicians, artists and journalists must retain ownership and control over their work. “Australian writers, musicians, artists and journalists must retain ownership and control of their work,” he said.
“Our laws will spell that out, plain as day.”
Following the address, Albanese met with University of Sydney researchers, students and scholars from the Khuda Women in STEM Academy, alongside AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda.
In a post on LinkedIn, Khuda said the discussion highlighted the importance of preparing young Australians with the skills needed for an AI-driven economy.
“It was a privilege to meet with the Australian Prime Minister and the Khuda Women in STEM Academy Scholars, particularly following his timely address on AI in Australia.”
He said the future of AI depended not only on technology but also on developing a diverse and skilled workforce.
Citing global concerns about gender gaps in STEM education, Khuda noted that women represent only 36 per cent of STEM graduates globally, highlighting the importance of initiatives designed to support girls and young women entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
“The program creates a pathway from Year 7 to industry, because when young people see women thriving in STEM, it broadens their sense of what is possible.”
University of Sydney Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Annamarie Jagose said universities had a critical role in helping Australia navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI.
She said the University was already transforming teaching, assessment and research practices while developing responsible approaches to AI adoption.
The University’s AI, Trust and Governance Centre is examining emerging challenges around responsible AI development, while researchers are applying AI across fields including healthcare, education, engineering and scientific discovery.
Albanese said Australia’s universities would play a central role in building sovereign capability and ensuring the country remained competitive.
“We want great universities like this one leading the way, and we want more Australian companies and global firms developing AI here to boost our sovereign capability, strengthen our national security and build our economic resilience.”
The Prime Minister said Australia’s ability to succeed in the AI era would depend on investing in technology, skills and people.
“If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests.”
The Khuda Family Foundation’s $100 million Women in STEM Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Sydney, aims to create pathways from secondary school to industry.
Over the past year, the program recorded more than 6,400 student engagements across six partner schools in Western Sydney, welcomed 141 students into its inaugural Academy, and reported increased confidence and awareness of STEM career pathways among participants.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
