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The Government’s National AI Plan Prioritizes Economic Opportunities of AI with Safety Laws Delayed

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The Federal Government has released a long-awaited national plan to guide the development of artificial intelligence in Australia. The roadmap focuses on the economic benefits that AI could bring and says existing laws will cover the fast-growing technology. But critics say the plan lacks…

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The Australian Federal Government has released a national plan for AI development, primarily focusing on harnessing economic benefits. The plan emphasizes reliance on existing laws to manage AI's rapid growth, drawing criticism for insufficiently addressing AI safety and risks. The delay in implementing specific AI safety laws raises concerns among critics about potential unmitigated risks. This development ties into the broader discourse on AI governance, highlighting the tension between economic incentives and the need for robust safety frameworks.

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WatchThe government’s National AI Plan prioritises economic opportunities of AI with safety laws delayedPublished2 December 2025, 8:15 amThe Federal Government has released a long-awaited national plan to guide the development of artificial intelligence in Australia. The roadmap focuses on the economic benefits that AI could bring and says existing laws will cover the fast-growing technology. But critics say the plan lacks sufficient protection from potential risks.TagsPoliticsAustraliaShareCould 'gentle density' planning help solve Australia’s housing shortage?01:58Efforts to combat Islamophobia and anti-Semitism under the spotlight at Senate estimates02:08‘We got the best that we could get’: Greens defend deal with Government on environmental law reforms02:41Inquiry into sexual violence in the military announced as landmark class action case against the ADF begins02:52Water safety awareness among multicultural communities key to preventing drowning deaths02:05Blackout risk as energy grid not prepared for coal-fired power station closures02:01How smart tech can be used as a tool for abuse and coercive control02:19The devastating impact of climate change on Himalayan villages04:40Department of Defence gets major overhaul02:19Olympia farms millions of maggots in Aussie warehouses — for this $36bn reason03:05Recommended for you'Value per bite': The Ozempic-sized force turbocharging an Aussie food shake-upfood and drink'You don't have the freedom to leave': The human cost of Australia's solar boomforced labour'Lions of Zion' group event celebrating Israel's pager attacks condemnedpolitics'Sheer terror': Palestinians arrive in Australia after 'mysterious' South Africa flight sagagaza strip'The worst we've seen': The type of job that's getting harder to find in Australiajob applicationsRules on this common travel item change today. Here’s why they’re riskygeneral newsNot just a 'women's issue': New fertility guidelines bring men into focusmen's healthSadness turns to anger in Hong Kong after city's worst fire in decades kills at least 128firesGet SBS News daily and direct to your InboxSign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.Your email address*Morning (Mon–Fri)Afternoon (Mon–Fri)WeekendSubscribeBy subscribing, you agree to SBS’sterms of serviceandprivacy policyincluding receiving email updates from SBS.Follow SBS NewsfacebookX (Twitter)instagramyoutubetiktokrssDownload our appsSBS NewsiOSAndroidSBS AudioiOSAndroidSBS On DemandiOSAndroidListen to our podcastsSBS News UpdateAn overview of the day's top stories from SBS NewsSBS News In DepthInterviews and feature reports from SBS NewsSBS On the MoneyYour daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.SBS News in Easy EnglishA daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disabilityGet the latest with ourNewspodcastson your favourite podcast apps.Watch on SBSSBS World NewsTake a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news serviceWatch nowWatch the latestnews videosfrom Australia and across the world