The Albanese Labor Government has launched what it claims is a world-leading artificial intelligence framework to ensure Australia can seize the opportunity, distribute the benefits of the technology and keep Australians safe.
In a statement, the Australian federal government said the drive would be carried out without undercutting conditions, dividing communities or damaging the 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,” it said.
It said the new standards would set out clear rules for large data centres— including a legal obligation to underwrite their own new power supply, fund their full share of connection costs so energy bills are not impacted, scale down power when needed to bolster the grid, and be as water efficient as possible.
The Federal Government said it will also work with State and Territories to ensure large data centres are built in the most suitable locations, and with input from local communities.
The new Office of AI has been established within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to speed up implementation of the standards on a national level.
“This framework is about protecting our national interests and ensuring certainty for growth, jobs and investment,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests.”
“The AI Standards will deliver greater clarity, speed up approvals and streamline the process for verifying compliance with energy, water, safety and other requirements,” said Albanese.
According to the government, 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 Government said it 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,” it said.
The Government said it 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,” it said.
