CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA / RankWire.AI / – Australian artists and rights groups are seeking formal involvement in the federal government’s new Office of AI. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the office on July 15 as part of a broader national framework for artificial intelligence. The body will coordinate policy across copyright, infrastructure, consumer protection, employment, education and national security. Creative-sector representatives welcomed the initiative but said policy decisions should include people whose work helps train generative AI systems.
Annabelle Herd, chief executive of the Australian Recording Industry Association, said creators should have a direct voice in the office’s work. She noted that artificial intelligence models use material from music, publishing, journalism, film and visual art. Australia’s copyright framework allows developers to use protected work when they obtain permission from rights holders. Herd also called for clearer enforcement and simpler dispute processes for creators pursuing lower-value copyright claims.
The government said Australian writers, artists and journalists should control how companies use their work for AI training. It also said existing ownership rights would remain in place under the new policy framework. However, the announcement did not create a licensing model or establish a payment system for protected content. It also did not confirm formal seats for artists, publishers or other rights holders within the Office of AI.
Creative groups seek licensing safeguards
APRA AMCOS supported the government’s decision but called for licensing arrangements built on consent and payment. The organisation represents songwriters, composers and music publishers across Australia and New Zealand. Chief executive Dean Ormston said Indigenous cultural and intellectual property should also feature in national AI policy. The group had joined artists, authors and other industry representatives in Canberra earlier in July to defend existing copyright protections.
Anthropic said it respected the Australian government’s process and would comply with national rules. The company has examined a large Australian data centre investment linked to development of its Claude artificial intelligence model. Albanese said Australia offers skilled workers, energy resources and a stable legal system for technology investment. The government has not tied copyright access to any specific data centre proposal or announced an exemption for AI training.
Data centre rules form part of framework
The planned Australian Standards for AI will impose requirements on large data centre operators. Companies will need to support new electricity supply, cover connection costs and reduce power use during grid pressure. The framework will also set expectations for water efficiency and consultation with state, territory and local authorities. National Cabinet will consider the standards in August 2026, while the government expects legislation to reach Parliament in early 2027.
The Office of AI will oversee implementation across federal departments and coordinate work with other Australian jurisdictions. The government also plans national consumer safety priorities, building on the recently created AI Safety Institute. Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about bureaucracy and regulatory costs, while the Greens have sought stronger legal protections. The government has not released the office’s full membership, advisory structure or a formal process for creative-industry participation.