Article Length: 3 minutes Federal Budget · Government · Technology The budget just went sci-fi: How Canberra plans to use AI By Don Turrobia Today at 2:01 PM 0 Reply The 2026-2027 federal budget has put artificial intelligence (AI) front and centre. The Australian Government has committed up to $70 million in ‘AI Accelerator’ grants to boost AI development. The funding will flow through the Co-operative Research Centres (CRC) program, aiming to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions. This isn’t a cold start, either. More than $460 million in existing funding is already committed to AI and related initiatives. From faster medicine approvals to digitising oral histories, artificial intelligence is about to reshape how government serves Australians. Image Source: Thapana_Studio / Shutterstock And as Treasurer Jim Chalmers declared in his budget speech, ‘We’re seizing the vast opportunities from AI with grants to commercialise AI innovations and making government more efficient.’ Faster medicines, fewer delays For anyone who relies on prescription medication, this part matters. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will trial AI to evaluate medicines already approved by comparable overseas regulators. Articles you might like <img decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-150x150.jpg 150w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-24x24.jpg 24w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-48x48.jpg 48w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-96x96.jpg 96w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13161859/riekus-laptop-6332544_pixabay_artificial-intelligence_Riekus-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Technology AI may reshape the workforce as one group faces rising job‑loss risk 0 replies <img decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-150x150.avif" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-150x150.avif 150w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-24x24.avif 24w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-48x48.avif 48w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-96x96.avif 96w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2026/05/13155314/541db03229e95472d5a5e2e71e0711ea-300x300.avif 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> Environment Home destroyed by fire rebuilt as an Earthship made of tyres, bottles and cans 0 replies If successful, the program could save an estimated $340 million a year in administrative costs and processing time. That kind of speed could mean Australians gain access to important treatments sooner. For older Australians managing chronic conditions, even modest reductions in approval delays can be genuinely meaningful. Veterans, history and the taxman The AI rollout stretches well beyond health. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will use AI to help process large compensation claims. The trial will be voluntary and require each claimant’s consent; a sensible safeguard. Meanwhile, the National Library of Australia plans to use AI to transcribe 58,000 hours of oral history recordings. That is a treasure trove of Australian voices and stories, finally made searchable. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is already using AI tools to flag potential errors in myTax returns in real time. The National Environmental Protection Agency will also use AI to modernise environmental information and streamline project approvals. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIndustryGovAu%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0CQ3tagi6XYC2gVxh1i53nPPsmF969rCZFyR2trYzsbKDL8sFGC3RGNdDXGGeMxa6l&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500" width="500" height="679" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> Safety rails, not just speed The government is building guardrails alongside these trials. New oversight bodies include the AI Safety Institute, a Copyright and AI Reference Group, and an AI Employment and Workplaces Forum. The broader aim, according to the Australian Public Service AI Plan, is to improve service delivery, policy outcomes, efficiency and productivity. Crucially, the National AI Plan states that ‘every Australian should be able to benefit from AI, regardless of age, location or gender’. The government is also investing in digital skills and lifelong learning, with programs to boost AI literacy across schools, TAFEs and community organisations. Key takeaways The federal budget commits $70 million in new AI Accelerator grants, on top of $460 million already in the pipeline The TGA will trial AI for faster medicine approvals, potentially saving $340 million a year Veterans’ Affairs will use AI to process compensation claims, but only with the claimant’s consent New safety bodies, including the AI Safety Institute, will oversee responsible use of the technology The march of AI through government is clearly accelerating. Whether you are waiting on a medicine approval, a veterans’ claim, or simply lodging your tax return, these changes could touch your life sooner than you think. Have you already used an AI tool, or does this still feel like uncharted territory? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Article commenting explainedStill wondering how to post comments or reply in the forums? You’re not alone. We’ve pulled together a handy guide that covers your biggest questions and clears away the confusion. And here’s a tip: if you want the fastest way to join the chat, download our app from Google Play or the App Store and never miss a chance to be heard. Also Read: GPs are using artificial intelligence to record patient consultations but how safe is your personal data? Sources Primary Source https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/canberra-embraces-ai-data-crunch-210000067.html What did you think of this article? Give us a thumbs up or a thumbs down! Like 0 Dislike 0 Share on Facebook Share via Email LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply Join the conversation News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. 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