Mandatory AI Standards, and Victoria gets a new Premier

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a major speech on artificial intelligence to announce a new national AI framework and establish an Office of AI in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Government will develop mandatory Australian Standards for AI, bringing together rules on data centres, energy, water use, copyright and investment. The Standards will be legislated, with the Prime Minister foreshadowing legislation to be introduced to Parliament in 2027.

Energy Ministers discussed data centres and AI energy use at their meeting this month, which backed stronger requirements for large data centres to support new renewable generation, firming capacity and grid reliability, while providing greater transparency on energy use and emissions. Queensland and the Northern Territory noted their dissent from key measures including energy standards and renewable energy use for data centres, demonstrating the ongoing sharp differences in approach to energy between the major political parties. 

AI was also one of the defining themes of Labor's National Conference in Adelaide, where debate focused on the impact of AI on workers, including creative industries and copyright. The Government argued Australia can seize the opportunities of AI without sacrificing fairness, workers' rights or community confidence. 

The conference also provided a platform for Labor to announce a new Fair Work Court and an expansion of Commonwealth Prac Payments. Prime Minister Albanese, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and newly elected Labor President Kate Ellis drew sharp contrasts with political opponents, including One Nation, arguing Labor must continue earning support in regional and working-class communities by delivering practical outcomes and economic security

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