Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce what he describes as a world-leading artificial intelligence (AI) framework, including mandatory Australian Standards for AI designed to support innovation while protecting national interests, consumers and creators.
The proposed framework will establish clear rules for large AI data centres, strengthen safeguards for Australian artists and journalists, and create a nationally consistent regulatory system to guide AI development.
The Prime Minister said the framework would ensure Australia shaped the future of AI on its own terms. “This world-leading framework is about Australia choosing to shape the future rather than letting the future of AI shape us,” Albanese said.
“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.”
Under the new standards, large data centres will be legally required to underwrite their own new electricity generation, pay the full cost of connecting to the grid, reduce electricity use during periods of high demand to improve grid stability, and meet strict water-efficiency requirements.
The Federal Government will also work with state and territory governments to ensure major AI infrastructure is built in appropriate locations with input from local communities.
The Office of AI has been established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, effective immediately, to oversee implementation of the new standards nationwide.
The Government will present the framework to National Cabinet in August, with legislation expected to be introduced early next year. If passed, it would create what the Government says will be the world’s first legislated regulatory framework specifically governing large AI data centres and AI training.
The standards aim to provide greater certainty for investors while streamlining approvals and compliance processes covering energy, water, safety and environmental requirements.
The Government also pledged stronger protections for Australia’s creative industries, saying Australian writers, artists and journalists should retain ownership and control of their work.
Under the proposed approach, AI companies would not be permitted to use Australian creative works for training AI models without the creator’s control.
The Government also confirmed it would release a whole-of-government AI consumer safety strategy in the coming weeks, building on the recently established AI Safety Institute.
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayres said the initiative aligned with the Government’s broader Future Made in Australia agenda.
“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,” Senator Ayres said.
“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.”
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton said Australia had an opportunity to ensure AI delivers broad economic and social benefits.
“Australia has an opportunity to ensure that new technology delivers inclusive, safe and sustainable growth, with shared benefits for our workers, and the community,” Charlton said.
“Establishing a clear and enforceable social licence for AI is fundamental towards achieving this objective.”
The Government says the framework is designed to accelerate economic growth, strengthen Australia’s technological sovereignty and provide confidence for businesses investing in AI while ensuring the technology develops in line with Australian values.
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