Anthony Albanese says Australia must be more than just a 'data warehouse for AI products made overseas' and should benefit from the country's own innovations. In a speech at the University of Sydney, the prime minister outlined his government's plan to regulate artificial intelligence, including new planning controls for data centres and stronger copyright protections.
Albanese's Vision for AI in Australia
Albanese likened the current AI transformation to his early career at the Commonwealth Bank, where he convinced customers to switch from paper passbooks to keycards. He said the government would 'get out in front' of the technological wave, working with state premiers on rules to manage data centre development.
The prime minister declared that Australia must not become a 'data warehouse for AI products made overseas' but should instead benefit from Australian innovations. He promised new standards and faster decision-making to build social licence for AI.
New Planning Rules for Data Centres
Albanese said he would work with state premiers on new planning controls for data centres, ensuring they don't take up land needed for housing or dominate local energy systems. Operators will be required to pay for new water infrastructure to cool the facilities, and surging demand won't be allowed to push up household bills.
After a national cabinet meeting next month and the creation of a new Office for AI within his department, Albanese will push parliament to consider new legislation in early 2027.
Copyright Protections for Creators
One area where Albanese promised 'the strongest possible protection' is Australia's copyright regime. Ruling out a text and data exemption for AI proprietors, he said the work of writers, filmmakers, musicians and journalists was precious and must never be used without permission by AI models. 'Anything less is theft,' he warned.
Such moves aim to protect and promote Australian culture and livelihoods in creative industries and the media.
Challenges of Regulating Tech Giants
Former Labor minister Ed Husic, who had argued for a broad new AI act before being dropped from cabinet, warned the legal approach to AI looked like 'Swiss cheese'. Labor, he said, must not simply deliver a 'fancier cheeseboard', urging a comprehensive response.
However, the reality is Australia may struggle to direct the activity of global tech giants like Anthropic, Microsoft, Google or OpenAI. The challenges of regulating social media, stopping hate speech or curbing child sexual abuse images show these firms are more powerful than most national governments and can set their own terms and prices for countries like Australia.
