In a university address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined a government plan to confront the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, saying it presents a larger set of difficulties and possibilities than previous digital platforms. He announced the creation of a dedicated AI Office within the prime minister’s department to unify policy across agencies and to develop a set of national AI standards slated for legislation next year. The proposal also includes obligations for major data‑centre operators to secure their own electricity and reduce water use, and it reaffirms a commitment to safeguard the rights of artists, musicians and journalists by requiring AI firms to pay for copyrighted material. Albanese positioned the measures as a way for Australia to lead in AI governance while noting that other nations are pursuing similar coordinated approaches.