Australia Establishes Office of AI to Regulate Government Technology

The Australian government is developing a regulatory framework to implement tighter controls on artificial intelligence across government agencies, digital services, and workplaces. This initiative prioritizes transparency, fairness, and human accountability, specifically targeting automated decision-making to prevent errors similar to the Robodebt scandal.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland is leading the creation of rules that will require human review for critical government decisions. To coordinate these efforts, the government established a new Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, building upon the objectives set in the December 2025 National AI Plan.

Beyond government operations, the framework proposes a digital duty of care to hold technology companies accountable for preventing foreseeable harm. The plan also includes privacy reforms and new infrastructure standards for data centers to manage their consumption of water and electricity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the AI approach would attract investment without damaging the environment or weakening employment conditions.