Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces the creation of a national Office of AI, outlining government plans for copyright protections for Australian creators and new rules for data-centre development. In a speech at the University of Sydney, Albanese says Australian writers, artists and musicians must retain control over how their work is used by artificial intelligence systems, and that creators should receive payment when their work is used. He characterises unauthorised use without control or remuneration as “theft,” framing the measures as part of an “AI the Australian way” approach.
The announcements also address concerns about the growth of energy-intensive data centres. Albanese says the federal government will introduce strict requirements for where data centres can be built and how they operate. Reported priorities include limiting competition with housing for land, managing the facilities’ power and water consumption, and ensuring data centres do not increase electricity prices for consumers.
Across coverage, the government positions the Office of AI and the proposed regulatory and copyright steps as coordinated responses to the rapid expansion of AI and data-centre infrastructure in Australia.
