PM’s plan for AI boom: Jobs, art and data centres

Anthony Albanese has announced a plan for how Australia approaches AI, with an office to be created and standards to be legislated.

Jul 16, 2026, updated Jul 16, 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a plan for how Australia approaches AI, with an office to be created and standards expected to be legislated early next year.

As part of the plan, new data centres can be fast-tracked, but will have to supply their own power.

And while Albanese said that artists should be able to control the use of their work, there are still fears about what will happen when potential investment meets copyright law.

Today, Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea on whether the government can walk the tightrope of the AI boom, while protecting and benefiting all Australians.

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