The Australian Labor government has launched a National AI Plan that focuses on the economic benefits of artificial intelligence. Instead of introducing new AI laws, it will rely on existing legislation to regulate the technology. The plan aims to unlock large datasets held by private companies and the public sector to help train AI models. Key goals include supporting and reskilling workers affected by AI, increasing investment in data centres, and sharing productivity gains across the economy. Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Science, said, “This plan is focused on capturing the economic opportunities of AI, sharing the benefits broadly, and keeping Australians safe as technology evolves.” He added that AI can improve health, education, and employment, and create jobs. A $30 million commitment will establish an AI Safety Institute in 2025 to advise the government on AI and the possible need for future laws. Ayres said success will be measured by how widely AI benefits are shared and how workers are supported. He also promised talks with unions and businesses to ensure AI helps workers, not replaces them. The plan notes concerns about AI-related risks like large data centres consuming vast water and power resources, AI-enabled abuse targeting women, and copyright issues affecting creators. It urges new cooling and energy technologies to reduce the environmental impact of data centres. These centres currently use about 2% of the grid’s power with expectations to triple by 2030. Although Australia rejected a European-style standalone AI law, the government aims to make the country an attractive hub for AI investment, building on its data centres, research, and AI jobs. The plan highlights the need to unlock high-value, non-sensitive public datasets, such as those from the Bureau of Statistics, for AI research. The government is still cautious, monitoring AI developments and promising to respond as challenges arise. It also declined calls for exemptions that would help AI companies mine copyrighted materials but remains open to new data licensing or compensation schemes. Overall, the AI Plan blends optimism about AI’s power with a careful approach to regulation, worker protection, and environmental concerns.