Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a new Office of AI, mandatory standards for large-scale data centres and plans for a world-first approach to AI copyright marks a significant shift in Australia’s AI strategy.

Australian technology leaders say the announcement moves the conversation from AI policy to AI implementation. While their perspectives differ, they agree Australia’s opportunity now lies in creating the right conditions for innovation, through clear regulation, workforce readiness, responsible AI adoption, protection of intellectual property and investment in Australia’s competitive strengths.

The reactions below showcase perspectives from leaders working across AI, enterprise technology, retail technology and the creative economy. Collectively, they explore the opportunities and challenges raised by the Prime Minister’s AI strategy, from Australia’s competitive advantage in applied AI to responsible innovation, creator rights and regulatory certainty.

Con Raso, Managing Director & Co-Founder at Tuned Global

“Australia should move quickly on AI. The productivity gains and economic opportunity are simply too significant to ignore. But, what we should avoid is creating a false choice between innovation and protecting creators. We can achieve both.

“Tuned Global works with companies that are already using AI in music responsibly today. They’re licensing content, respecting rights and building products that create value for both technology companies and rights holders. This isn’t a theoretical future – it is already happening.

“As a company working at the intersection of music, rights management and AI, we welcome the creation of an Office of AI. However, its role should extend beyond regulation. Australia has an opportunity to lead by creating the technical and commercial infrastructure that enables responsible AI at scale – where rights are discoverable, licensing is frictionless and usage is transparent.

“Responsible licensing is not a barrier to AI innovation, it is what enables AI to scale with the confidence of creators, technology companies and investors alike. If Australia gets this balance right, we can become a global leader in trusted AI while strengthening both our technology sector and our creative industries.”

Dr Anna Harrison, Founder and CEO at RAMMP

“Australia won’t build the next Claude or ChatGPT. That race is over, and it was never ours to win.

“The intelligence layer is quickly becoming a utility, like electricity or water. We expect to have access to it. The mistake is reading that as a loss, and missing the game Australia can win.

“Australia runs one of the largest fleets of autonomous haul trucks on earth. Driverless 300-tonne trucks, moving iron ore across the Pilbara, around the clock, in 50-degree heat. We’ve done this at scale for years. So although an American lab can build a model that understands mining in the abstract, it cannot get the data: decades of sensor logs from real trucks on real ore bodies, in conditions that exist almost nowhere else. A frontier model can’t fake it.

“Australia can build the things that turn the AI brain into a mine that runs itself and own the data that proves it works. We can also export this. Every mining nation on earth needs this and can’t build it themselves. Chile. Canada. West Africa. Australia becomes the place you buy AI that runs a mine.

“Australia can, and should, have a crack at the hardest real-world problem the intelligence gets pointed at, and own the data that proves it.

“That’s not a consolation prize. It’s the winning position.”

Jonathan Reeve, Regional Director, ANZ at Eagle Eye

“Good regulation should clear the road, not put up more roadblocks. Many Australian businesses are ready to move on AI, but boards are still asking what the rules are. 

“Clear national standards would give them the confidence to get on with it, while protecting Australians as AI becomes part of everyday life, including how we shop.”

Alison McKinnon, Managing Director at CM.OSX

“This announcement is a positive signal that Australia is preparing for a different future. AI is coming regardless. The government has a responsibility to approach it deliberately, thoughtfully and with enough investment in people to make the most of the opportunity. 

“We don’t stop technological progress because it creates disruption. We help people and businesses adapt so they can thrive in a world where AI is becoming part of everyday decision-making.

“We also need to stop talking about AI as though it’s something happening to us. It’s something we can actively shape. Governments have a role in setting the guardrails, businesses have a responsibility to adopt AI thoughtfully, and individuals have an opportunity to build new skills. None of those groups can do it alone, and that’s why collaboration will be critical to getting this transition right.”