Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Senator Tim Ayres to administer the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), while retaining his existing ministerial responsibilities for Industry and Innovation and Science.

Albanese confirmed that the Governor-General had accepted his recommendation to appoint Ayres to the additional departmental role.

The Prime Minister said the appointment reflected Ayres’ contribution to overseeing the Office of Artificial Intelligence, which is developing national AI standards.

The standards are intended to ensure Australians can benefit from artificial intelligence safely and that the technology operates in Australia’s interests.

There will be no changes to Ayres’ ministerial titles. He will continue to administer the Department of Industry, Science and Research, as well as PM&C.

The Office of AI is overseen by Albanese, Ayres and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton.

Charlton is already appointed to administer PM&C in his capacity as Cabinet Secretary.

The Prime Minister said the appointment was consistent with the recommendations of the Bell Inquiry into the appointment of the former Prime Minister to administer multiple departments.

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