Australia Launches AI Inquiry and Plans National Standards

The Australian government is conducting a parliamentary inquiry in Canberra to address the social, security, and privacy risks associated with artificial intelligence. During the hearings, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie presented evidence of an ethical failure involving an AI chatbot that responded positively to a terminally ill patient discussing voluntary assisted dying. In response to such risks, major technology companies have urged the federal government to strengthen security laws and slow the pace of AI adoption.

Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister, intends to legislate national AI standards by early 2027 and is traveling to the United States to discuss international measures to prevent online harm. Parallel to these legislative goals, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth is collaborating with major employers to establish national best-practice guidance for AI in the workplace.

Government officials are also targeting specific hardware risks. Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher is pushing to limit the use of smart glasses within government departments, while the Greens party has called for a total 12-month import ban on the devices. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is preparing a preview of AI's impact on productivity and employment for the 2026 Intergenerational Report.