Australia to 'Accelerate' Broad Adoption of AI Under New National Plan
9News
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Details
- Date Published
- 1 Dec 2025
- Priority Score
- 5
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 2 Dec 2025, 10:59 am
Description
<p>The federal government has agreed to pause the mandatory guardrails on artificial intelligence and accelerate the adoption of the technology.</p>
Summary
The Australian government has introduced a National AI Plan aiming to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence by pausing previously considered mandatory guardrails, opting instead to review current laws. Recognizing a potential $116 billion economic boost, the plan emphasizes capturing economic opportunities, evenly distributing AI benefits across various sectors, and ensuring safety from potential risks. Notably, the plan involves the establishment of an AI Safety Institute with a $29.9 million budget to oversee the technology's progress and provide guidance. This strategic pivot indicates a significant national policy development with potential impacts on AI safety, overshadowing initial reservations about strict regulatory measures.
Body
The federal government has agreed to pause the mandatory guardrails on artificial intelligence and accelerate the adoption of the technology under the first national plan released today.The plan initially meant to strengthen rules around the rapidly evolving technology amid growing distrust, with the former minister Ed Husic saying 10 guardrails were under development last year.But earlier this year, theProductivity Commission called for the guardrails to be put on holdto allow a review into current laws to be completed, which could prevent the stifling of a potential $116 billion boost to the economy.READ MORE: Australia's happiest generation of workers revealedLondon, UK - 05 10 2025: Apple iPhone screen with Artificial Intelligence icons internet AI app application ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, Copilot, Grok, Claude, etc.(Getty)The government has now walked away from that plan and shifted its wary stance to one that hopes to harness "the full potential of AI".The plan will "accelerate the broad development and adoption of AI" to benefit all Australians, including First Nations people and regional communities.It will work in three parts: to capture the economic opportunity, distribute the benefits across the economy and keep the country safe from risks and harm.The government will do this by developing data centres and creating arrangements with leading companies to help build the digital infrastructure to support AI. It will also build a capable workforce through consultation with unions, training and support, resources and fit-for-purpose workplace protections.READ MORE: Leading Australian caravan maker collapses, 250 jobs at riskIndustry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres.(Getty)And from next year, a $29.9 million AI Safety Institute will monitor the development of the technology and advise agencies, industry and government on their response.Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said AI will close gaps in essential services, improve education and employment outcomes and create well-paid jobs in the future."The National AI Plan is about making sure technology serves Australians, not the other way around," he said."As the technology continues to evolve, we will continue to refine and strengthen this plan to seize new opportunities and act decisively to keep Australians safe."DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on theApple App StoreandGoogle Play.