LIVE: Anthony Albanese delivers a keynote address on AI in Australia | ABC NEWS

Overview

Anthony Albanese delivers a keynote-style address at the University of Sydney outlining Australia’s government approach to artificial intelligence. He argues that Australia must actively “shape” AI rather than passively “adopt” it.

He frames AI as the next major technological shift after prior Australian reforms and social innovations—particularly Medicare, workers’ rights, superannuation, and women’s political participation—and uses these examples to justify early, values-based regulation.

Benefits and the Limits of “Press Pause”

Albanese says Australia is already seeing AI benefits, including:

• improved university teaching and student learning
• productivity gains for small businesses
• medical screening innovations
• expanding use cases in defense and security

He warns that while Australia cannot “press pause” on AI, that does not mean the country is powerless. Instead, he argues Australia can set the “terms” for AI because AI depends on real-world inputs such as computing power, energy, and land. This allows Australia to maintain its social license while acting quickly enough to avoid losing leverage after companies build.

Jobs, Labor-Market Change, and Evidence

A central theme is the impact of AI on jobs and the labor market. Albanese cites research from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (released the previous week), claiming Australia is the first government to publish real-time, data-driven analysis of AI’s labor effects.

He says the findings show:

• role changes without collapsing employment
• graduate employment remaining high
• software/tech jobs growing
• unemployment near historic lows
• participation at record highs

Sovereignty, Capability, and Resilience

Albanese links AI governance to national sovereignty and economic resilience. He warns that if Australia relies too heavily on foreign actors for technology and resources, it will remain vulnerable to external rule-setting.

He contrasts this with earlier sovereignty decisions (including keeping the NBN in public hands) and argues Australia should ensure more AI capability—such as data centers, research, and firms—develops domestically.

Key Policy Announcements and Proposals

Australian AI standards

Albanese says the government will establish Australian AI standards to capture a “generational opportunity” while protecting national interests.

Data center regulation and framework

He references March 2025 expectations for large AI data centers and says they will be brought into a single regulatory framework—clear, consistent, and mandatory—with legislation targeted for early next year.

National Cabinet process

He will seek agreement at a National Cabinet meeting next month to create a faster, streamlined approach that still allows flexibility as technology evolves.

Copyright and training protections for creatives

He announces a strong stance that Australian writers, musicians, artists, and journalists must retain ownership and control of their work. Companies should not use Australian creative content to train AI without artist control, including control over price and value.

He claims no country has fully solved the issue and says Australia aims to lead.

Data center location, energy, and water obligations

The standards would govern where data centers are built and require responsibilities for grid and resources. Proposed measures include:

• legal obligations for new power supply contributions, so costs are not passed onto households or business
• requirements for data centers to be net generators (not net users) by underwriting comparable energy into the grid
• rules to reduce water use and fund any additional water infrastructure needed

One national framework

Albanese argues Australia will be the first country to consolidate these issues into a single national framework, improving investor appeal through clarity and speed while disciplining government coordination.

Creation of an Office of AI

Effective immediately, he says he is establishing an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate standards across departments.

Security Risks and Five Eyes

Albanese stresses security risks, noting that extremists and state actors use AI for propaganda and disinformation, including targeting young people and democracies. He says Australia’s Five Eyes partnership strengthens its national security posture and references coordination with Home Affairs and defense-related work.

AI as a Tool for Good Jobs

He argues AI should not be treated as a threat to good jobs, but as a tool to create secure and fulfilling employment. He emphasizes preserving the social contract around work—stability, a stake in the economy, and the ability to plan for the future—through purposeful AI policy.

Presenters / Contributors

• Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister of Australia)
• Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation)
• Andrew Charlton (Assistant Minister for Science, Technology, and the Digital Economy)
• Attorney-General (name not provided in subtitles; facilitates copyright consultations)
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy (name not provided; coordinates energy with states/territories)
• Treasurer (name not provided; responsible for AI in the productivity agenda)
• Minister for Employment (name not provided; engages employers, workers, and unions)
• Education minister (name not provided; meets counterparts on AI in schools)
• Communications minister (name not provided; digital duty of care and chatbot risks)
• Defense minister (name not provided; leads AI in defense and national security)
• Deputy Prime Minister (name not provided)
• Minister for Home Affairs (name not provided)
• Five Eyes partners (collectively referenced)