Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the establishment of a new AI office and vowed to protect Australian creatives from copyright 'theft' in a major speech at the University of Sydney. The move comes after months of calls from artists and activists for government action on the rapidly expanding AI industry, as datacentres proliferate across the country.
Albanese outlines AI vision
In his speech, Albanese emphasized that Australia's approach to AI would be distinct, stating he wants to do AI 'the Australian way'. He stressed that the benefits of AI should not come at the expense of creative industries, declaring that copyright protections are 'not up for grabs'. The prime minister outlined plans to regulate datacentres and ensure that Australian creators are fairly compensated when their work is used to train AI systems.
Copyright and creative industries
The speech directly addressed concerns from the arts sector, which has been vocal about the unauthorized use of copyrighted material by AI companies. Albanese said the government would introduce measures to prevent what he termed 'copyright theft', though specific legislative details were not provided. The new AI office will oversee these protections and coordinate policy across government departments.
Datacentre regulation
Albanese also focused on the physical infrastructure driving AI, noting that datacentres are 'popping up around the country'. He said regulation would ensure they operate sustainably and in line with national interests, without stifling innovation. The government plans to consult with industry and community stakeholders on the regulatory framework.
According to the prime minister, Australia must balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and the protection of local jobs and creativity. He described AI as a transformative force that requires careful governance to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
