On 15 July 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech[1] outlining the Australian Government’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. The announcement signals a significant shift from piecemeal, sector-by-sector responses to a unified national framework. Below, we summarise the key announcements and their implications for businesses operating or investing in Australia.

Australian standards for AI

The centrepiece of the Prime Minister’s announcement is the establishment of the Australian Standards for AI (National AI Standards), which will bring AI governance into a single, “clear, consistent and mandatory” regulatory framework. The Prime Minister emphasised that the framework is not intended to legislate for every possible eventuality. Rather, it is designed to provide flexibility to keep pace with technological advancement while delivering regulatory certainty for investors.

The Prime Minister indicated that he will seek agreement from Premiers and Chief Ministers at the National Cabinet next month, with legislation to be introduced to Parliament in early 2027.

Office of AI

The Prime Minister also announced the immediate establishment of a new Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This office will coordinate the design of the National AI Standards and consolidate AI-related work across government, working closely with the Minister for Industry and Innovation and the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and Digital Economy.

New regulatory pillars

Data centre obligations

The National AI Standards will impose specific obligations on large-scale data centres, including:

• location controls to prevent competition with new housing developments
• energy requirements, including a legal obligation for large-scale data centres to underwrite new power supply, pay the full cost of grid connection, and be ‘net-generators of energy’ (putting at least as much power into the grid as they consume)
• water-use minimisation, with requirements to maximise energy efficiency and fund any additional water infrastructure.

Creative industries protections

The Prime Minister announced what could amount to some of the strongest AI-related copyright protections globally. Key principles outlined include:

• artists, writers, musicians and journalists must retain ownership and control over the use, price and value of their work
• no company may use Australian creative works to build or train AI models without the creator’s consent.

The Attorney-General is facilitating the consultation on the design of these protections.

Key takeaways

While a detailed AI legislative framework is yet to be developed, the Prime Minister’s speech provides a clear indication of the Government’s direction. Accordingly:

1. AI developers and organisations deploying AI tools should prepare for a mandatory national framework, the details of which will be subject to industry consultation
2. data centre operators and investors should anticipate binding energy, water and location requirements and factor these into planning for Australian operations
3. creatives and IP rights holders can expect strengthened copyright protections, though the precise mechanism is yet to be designed.

We will continue to monitor developments as the Government progresses public consultation ahead of the anticipated National Cabinet discussions and subsequent legislation.

[1] AI in Australia’s interests | Prime Minister of Australia