A long-awaited national plan for artificial intelligence is set to help Australians gain from the technology while also protecting them from its emerging risks.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the plan charted a path for an Australian economy that captured AI's opportunities, spread its benefits and kept Australians safe.
The release of the roadmap, in development since 2024, comes after the government in August said AI would become a national priority as it consulted on copyright law changes to protect creative industries from threats posed by the technology.
It recently pledged $29.9 million to establish an AI Safety Institute in 2026 to ensure official monitoring and response to AI risks, supporting agencies and regulators.
'Making sure technology serves Australians'
Ayres on Tuesday said the national plan gave clear guidance to government, industry, researchers and communities that would ensure Australians benefited from AI.
It was part of the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda and would work to create high-value local jobs, he said.
“The National AI Plan is about making sure technology serves Australians, not the other way around," he said in a statement.
“This plan is focused on capturing the economic opportunities of AI, sharing the benefits broadly, and keeping Australians safe as technology evolves."
The plan outlines steps the federal government is already taking to integrate AI into public services.
These include embedding AI in government operations through the secure GovAI platform, piloting generative AI in schools and strengthening the digital and data skills of public service employees.
"The Australian government is working to expand the safe and responsible use of AI to all government agencies to help create consistent, high-quality services for people," the plan says.
"The government aims to lead by example, lifting the productivity of the public sector and providing better job satisfaction."
Accelerating investment in local infrastructure
It also describes efforts to accelerate investment in the supporting infrastructure for AI such as data centres.
"It is in our interests to ensure that AI development happens locally, where it aligns with our national priorities, social and economic interests," the plan says.
"It positions us to lead in shaping ethical standards, secure technologies and competitive industries, and ensures that AI serves Australian communities and businesses first."
Every Australian should be able to benefit from AI but regional and disadvantaged voices must be elevated to ensure communities aren't left behind, it says.
In November, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering warned the nation could miss out on a $150 billion economic boost if it failed to invest in AI, including sovereign modelling, regional hubs, training and infrastructure.
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