CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA / RankWire.AI / – Australian creators are calling for direct representation in the federal government’s newly formed Office of AI. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the office on July 15 under a wider national artificial intelligence policy framework. It will coordinate federal work on copyright, infrastructure, consumer protection, jobs, education and national security. Creative groups support the initiative but want artists and rights holders involved in decisions concerning protected works.
The Australian Recording Industry Association said creators should help shape policies for generative artificial intelligence. Chief executive Annabelle Herd said AI systems use music, books, journalism, film and visual art during development. Australian copyright law permits companies to use protected material after securing approval from the relevant rights holders. Herd also called for stronger enforcement options and simpler legal processes for creators seeking compensation through smaller copyright claims.
The government said writers, artists and journalists must retain control over the use of their work. It said artificial intelligence companies should not train models on Australian creative content without proper authorisation. Officials have not introduced a national licensing scheme or a standard payment model for copyrighted material. They also have not confirmed whether creators, publishers or other rights holders will receive formal positions within the Office of AI.
Copyright protections lead creative concerns
APRA AMCOS welcomed the office while urging the government to support licensing based on consent and payment. The organisation represents songwriters, composers and music publishers across Australia and New Zealand. Chief executive Dean Ormston also sought protections for Indigenous cultural and intellectual property in national AI rules. Artists, authors and industry representatives had raised those issues during meetings in Canberra earlier in July.
Anthropic said it respected the government’s policy process and would follow Australian requirements. The company has considered a major local data centre investment connected to development of its Claude AI model. Albanese said Australia offers a skilled workforce, energy resources and a stable legal framework for technology investment. The government has not granted an AI training exemption or linked copyright access to a specific data centre proposal.
AI framework sets infrastructure obligations
The planned Australian Standards for AI will establish mandatory requirements for large data centre operators. Companies must support new electricity generation and cover the costs of connecting facilities to the power grid. Operators will also need to reduce energy use during grid pressure and meet water efficiency expectations. National Cabinet will review the framework in August 2026, and the government plans to introduce legislation in early 2027.
The Office of AI will coordinate implementation across federal departments and work with state and territory authorities. Officials also plan national consumer safety priorities that build on the recently created AI Safety Institute. Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about regulatory costs, while the Greens have requested stronger legal safeguards. The government has not published the office’s full membership, advisory structure or process for formal creative-sector participation.