Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returned to his old stomping ground at the University of Sydney to reveal how Australia plans to approach era-defining technological change. In a much-hyped speech, the PM moved to centralise oversight of artificial intelligence and announced that Australia would force data centres to minimise water use and fund their own power supply under mandatory national rules. Albanese said Australia had a narrow window of opportunity to establish AI’s \u201csocial licence\u201d. The announcement represents a significant shift in the government’s approach to AI regulation, moving from a wait-and-see approach to active intervention, and signals that Australia intends to be a rule-setter rather than a rule-taker in the global AI landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artists have taken some heart from the PM’s promise they will retain control over how their works are used by tech giants, but have told the government they want a seat at the table in his new office for AI. \u201cNo company should use Australian books, music, art or news to build or train AI without the artist’s control,\u201d Albanese declared. \u201cAnything less is theft,\u201d he added. The prime minister signalled Labor wanted a new model that would allow creatives to choose whether their works would be used to train AI and how they are paid. The government hopes to next year introduce laws that would set minimum requirements for firms building data centres, including energy efficiency standards and location guidelines to manage environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speech came a day after 200 leading US economists warned that the new computing transformation could be as severe as the Industrial Revolution unfolding over a much shorter timeframe. Albanese argued that AI was a more profound development than social media, as New York became the first US state to put a moratorium on data centres and the Australian housing sector warned construction resources were being diverted away from home building. \u201cWe want AI to support and create good jobs, not replace them,\u201d Albanese declared, emphasising that the government’s focus is on augmenting human capability rather than automating it away. He pointed to examples in healthcare and education where AI is already helping professionals work more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Australian Council of Trade Unions leader Sally McManus backed the prime minister, revealing that she had been lobbying Labor to clarify workplace laws to make clear that companies must consult unions before technologies are introduced in the workforce. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume warned about the prospect of greater powers for unions, setting up brawls on industrial policy and the AI legislation. The debate over AI regulation is set to intensify as the government moves towards introducing legislation next year, with both sides of politics positioning themselves on the issue. The Greens have also entered the fray, calling for a temporary moratorium on AI development in high-risk sectors until safeguards are in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new AI framework includes a national advisory council comprising experts from technology, ethics, law and civil society, which will provide ongoing guidance to the government. The council will be co-chaired by the chief scientist and a representative from the tech industry, ensuring a balance of perspectives. The government has also committed to reviewing the framework every two years to keep pace with rapid technological advances. Early feedback from industry has been cautiously positive, with tech companies welcoming the regulatory clarity, though some have raised concerns about compliance costs and the potential for over-regulation that could stifle innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Australia charts its course on AI, the government is also engaging with international partners, including the US, UK and EU, to align standards and share best practices. The PM’s office has confirmed that AI will be a key topic at the upcoming G20 summit, where Australia will push for a global framework on ethical AI. Domestically, the government faces the challenge of balancing the economic potential of AI with the need to protect workers, consumers and democratic institutions. The framework unveiled at Sydney University is just the first step in what promises to be a long and complex policy journey, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Australia reaps the benefits of AI while minimising its risks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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