The Australian Government has announced the establishment of the Australian AI Safety Institute, a new body designed to evaluate emerging artificial intelligence technologies and advise on actions to mitigate potential risks.
In a news release, the government said the initiative aims to balance the significant opportunities presented by AI with the need for safeguards, noting that the technology “touches on every part of government, the economy and people’s lives.”
The Institute will work across agencies to support best-practice regulation, identify where legislative updates may be required, and coordinate consistent action to protect the public.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the rapid evolution of AI required a coordinated national capability. “AI is already transforming the way we live and work,” he said.
“Adopted properly and safely, AI can revitalise industry, boost productivity and lift the living standards of all Australians.”
Ayres added that the Government’s approach is built on both opportunity and caution. “But there are two sides to this coin. While the opportunities are immense, we need to make sure we are keeping Australians safe from any malign uses of AI,” he said.
“The Institute will be the government’s hub of AI safety expertise… to make sure Australians are confident to use this game-changing technology safely.”
The government said the Institute will support regulators, ensure AI companies comply with Australian law, and uphold standards around fairness and transparency.
It noted that Australia already has strong consumer, online safety and competition laws that provide a foundation for AI governance.
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton said AI is already helping organisations improve productivity and service delivery.
“That’s why we are working closely with industry, business, unions and civil society to increase the uptake of AI in a way that is safe and responsible,” he said.
Charlton said the new body will help identify emerging challenges and support timely government action. “The Institute will be an important capability in government… to make sure we’re ready to safely capture the benefits of AI with confidence,” he said.
“The Institute will help identify future risks, enabling the government to respond to ensure fit-for-purpose protections for Australians.”
The announcement forms part of National AI Week and aligns with the upcoming National AI Plan, which the government said will be released before the end of 2025.
