Government Unveils Comprehensive National AI Strategy After Anticipation

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A long-awaited national plan for artificial intelligence is set to help Australians gain from the technology while also protecting them from its emerging risks.

Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the plan charted a path for an Australian economy that captured AI’s opportunities, spread its benefits and kept Australians safe.

The release of the roadmap, in development since 2024, comes after the government said in August that AI would become a national priority as it consulted on copyright law changes to protect creative industries from threats posed by the technology.

The government has committed a substantial $29.9 million to launch an AI Safety Institute by 2026. This initiative is designed to facilitate official oversight and address potential risks associated with artificial intelligence, thereby supporting various agencies and regulatory bodies.

“The National AI Plan is focused on ensuring technology works for Australians, rather than having Australians adapt to technology,” a spokesperson emphasized in a recent statement.

Ayres said on Tuesday the national plan gave clear guidance to government, industry, researchers and communities that would ensure Australians benefited from AI.

It was part of the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda and would work to create high-value local jobs, he said.

The plan outlines several key initiatives, including the integration of AI into government operations via the secure GovAI platform, the introduction of generative AI in educational settings, and the enhancement of digital and data literacy among public service workers.

“This plan is focused on capturing the economic opportunities of AI, sharing the benefits broadly, and keeping Australians safe as technology evolves.”

The plan outlines steps the federal government is already taking to integrate AI into public services.

“Our objective is to set a benchmark by enhancing public sector productivity and boosting job satisfaction,” the statement continued.

“The Australian government is working to expand the safe and responsible use of AI to all government agencies to help create consistent, high-quality services for people,” the plan says.

The plan further asserts, “It is crucial for us to foster AI development locally, ensuring it aligns with our national priorities and supports our social and economic interests.”

Accelerating investment in local infrastructure

It also describes efforts to accelerate investment in the supporting infrastructure for AI such as data centres.

“It is in our interests to ensure that AI development happens locally, where it aligns with our national priorities, social and economic interests,” the plan says.

“It positions us to lead in shaping ethical standards, secure technologies and competitive industries, and ensures that AI serves Australian communities and businesses first.”

Every Australian should be able to benefit from AI but regional and disadvantaged voices must be elevated to ensure communities aren’t left behind, it says.

In November, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering warned the nation could miss out on a $150 billion economic boost if it failed to invest in AI, including sovereign modelling, regional hubs, training and infrastructure.