Australia to fast-track AI datacentre approvals, create new Office of AI

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced streamlined approvals for AI infrastructure and the establishment of a central Office of AI within his department.

• Albanese said the government will introduce faster approval processes for AI projects, including datacentres, and create a new Office of AI with immediate effect.
• The finance department launched a multi-stage procurement process for AI tools to support government service delivery.
• Minister Tim Ayres said the government will not create a text and data mining exception in Australian copyright law.
• Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie called on the government to ensure datacentre expansion is powered by renewable energy.