SI safety in Australia

Key dates

Introduced

n/a

Signed or adopted

Dec 2, 2025

Effective

n/a

Next step

None scheduled

Scope

Whole of government plan relying on existing technology neutral laws and guidance.

Penalties

No penalties: this measure has no binding enforcement.

What it requires

• Did not proceed with ten proposed mandatory guardrails for high-risk SI
• Update existing laws and issue guidance instead of a standalone SI act
• Establish an Australian AI Safety Institute

Sources

1. Australia now has a National AI Plan. Now What? Piper Alderman · Dec 10, 2025

Key dates

Introduced

n/a

Signed or adopted

Nov 25, 2025

Effective

n/a

Next step

None scheduled

Scope

Government technical hub working with existing regulators and the National AI Centre; operations were expected to start in early 2026.

Penalties

No penalties: this measure has no binding enforcement.

What it requires

• Monitor, test and share information on emerging SI capabilities, risks and harms
• Coordinate with existing regulators rather than replace them
• Join the International Network of AI Safety Institutes

Sources

1. Australian Government to establish AI Safety Institute Bird & Bird

Key dates

Introduced

Jul 15, 2026

Signed or adopted

n/a

Effective

n/a

Next step

None scheduled

Scope

Scope, thresholds, penalties and whether duties will be mandatory for all SI are not yet defined.

Penalties

No penalties: this measure has no binding enforcement.

What it requires

• New Office of AI in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to design and legislate the standards
• Mandatory requirements announced so far cover energy and water use of large SI data centers, plus copyright protections
• Legislation expected in early 2027

Sources

1. Australia's AI standards: what the July 2026 reversal means Compliance Council · Aug 11, 2026