PoliticsAlbanese reveals 'world-first' AI plan amid 'doomed to failure' call from inside LaborThe national AI framework will address concerns about copyright, education, the workforce, and energy.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce plans on regulating artificial intelligence on Wednesday. Source: AAP / Mick TsikasIN BRIEFTech giant Anthropic has warned its investment in Australia depends on receiving clarity around copyright and its obligations.Anthony Albanese's announcement of Australia's national AI plan won't detail changes to copyright laws.The federal government says it will support Australia's creative sector amid growing concerns about the development of artificial intelligence and data centres, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to reveal a 'world-first' AI plan. Albanese is expected to launch the Office of AI at a speech in Sydney on Wednesday, after dozens of Australian artists voiced concerns about the uncertainty of whether Australia-based AI data centres would be granted an exemption from copyright laws. Speaking to the ABC on Wednesday, Assistant Technology Minister Andrew Charlton said the federal government has "a clear and united position" on the issue. "Our approach is that we support the Australian creative sector. We are not going to undermine that sector, with a data centre that tries to seek exception," Charlton said. Charlton, who's been supporting AI investment in Australia, said the government only wanted AI investment "that's in Australia's national interest", and said the prime minister's speech later on Wednesday would set out clear standards for the types of investment Australia would be interested in.News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.Enter email addressSubscribeMorning (Mon–Fri)Afternoon (Mon–Fri)WeekendInsightBy subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS."It's appropriate for the government to be clear about our standards," he said. National AI regulatory frameworkThe Office of AI, which will be under the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will coordinate the development of new Australian standards on AI and its impacts on issues such as energy, copyright, productivity, education and labour rights."Australia will be the first country in the world to bring these issues into a single, national framework," Albanese will say.The announcement comes as several tech giants, including Anthropic, which creates the AI chatbot Claude, seek investment in AI data centres in Australia — amid concerns about their impact on Australian intellectual property.Anthropic has warned that its $21.6 billion investment in Australia hinges on receiving clarity about copyright and its legal obligations.Albanese will respond to that concern in his speech, arguing that the right guardrails will attract business."Getting this right will enhance our appeal to international investors, by delivering greater clarity and speed for approvals, and a streamlined process for verifying compliance," Albanese will say.Ex-minister criticises Labor's approachAlbanese will say the national framework adds to the government's ongoing design of a digital duty of care and the mitigation of risks posed by AI to children and national security."We know that both extremists and state actors already use AI to create propaganda aimed at young people — and to spread disinformation that targets democracies," he will say.Labor MP Ed Husic, a former industry minister, said giving big tech a social licence was a path "sadly doomed to failure"."We tried self-regulation for ... a couple of decades, found out that it didn't work, and it won't work on a financial basis for these firms," he told Sky News on Tuesday."None of these firms will go one out from the other to bring in guardrails to limit the risks."Speaking to ABC radio on Wednesday morning, Husic said he's concerned the demand for energy from AI data centres could undermine the Labor government's approach to renewable energy. He acknowledged arguments that the building of AI data centres could inspire the renewable sector to create more supply, but he said these builders also need to commit to adopting renewable energy. "There's a potential for new renewable supply to come online, but there needs to be some serious, concrete commitment to happen."— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.Share4 min readPublished 15 July 2026 7:59amUpdated 3h ago 9:53amBy Wing KuangSource: SBS NewsAvailable in other languagesShare this with family and friendsCopy linkShare