The new Australian National AI Plan (plan) (released today) aims to accelerate AI adoption across every corner of the economy. With Australia betting heavily on AI as a lever for productivity, growth and public-service transformation, it’s worth asking: are we setting the foundation for a safer, more equitable digital future — or merely turbocharging the risks? The Australian Government seems committed to building an AI economy, but does also have an eye on risk mitigation.
The plan is available here: https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-12/national-ai-plan.pdf
Below we set out a few key FAQs.
Who developed the plan? The plan is a whole of government framework developed by the Commonwealth of Australia.
What are the key objectives of the plan? There are 3 clear goals: (1) capturing opportunity, (2) spreading the benefits, (3) keeping Australians safe.
How does the plan propose keeping Australians safe? The Government proposes to establish robust legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks that protect rights and build trust. However, there will be no dedicated AI law. Instead, targeted amendments will be made to existing legislation. The Government’s key action areas are as follows.
Establish frameworks: Establish robust legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks that protect rights and build trust.
Mitigate harms: Take practical risk-based protections that are proportionate and responsive to emerging AI risks including reviewing and updating laws relating to privacy, consumer protections and copyright.
Promote responsible practices: Encourage the development and use of AI systems that are transparent, fair, and accountable, and working with industry to support responsible deployment through guidance and standards.
Establishing an AI Safety Institute: The AISI will monitor, test and share information on emerging AI capabilities, risks and harms. The AISI will support existing regulators with independent advice to ensure AI companies are compliance with Australian law and uphold legal standards around fairness and transparency.
What will happen next? The plan really just sets out the Government’s direction on AI. The implementation of the plan will be marked by iterative, adaptive action. Some things that may happen are set out below.
More infrastructure investment i.e. investment in data centres and broader digital infrastructure.
Securing access to high performance computing power.
Government will try to capture opportunities presented by quantum computing.
Boosting digital literacy.
Government will respond to emerging risks including bias, privacy breaches, disinformation and cyber threats.