Industry minister Tim Ayres and the Treasurer Jim Chalmers seemed to shut the door on calls to rewrite copyright laws in a way that would provide a ‘fair dealing’ exemption for tech companies training AI.
But it’s been a week of mixed signals on that front. The Productivity Commission’s interim report on harnessing data and digital technology made it clear that Australia’s copyright regime was not keeping pace with the technology – suggesting a change is in the winds.
Add to that the National Press Club address by Tech Council chair Scott Farquhar, in which he said current copyright law was getting in the way of potentially huge investments into Australia by AI and data centre giants.
It does suggest copyright is emerging as a Ground Zero issue for big tech and the next generation of AI services.
Meanwhile, the PC interim report walks a middle road between the ‘let her rip’ hands-off AI regulatory approach of the US and the more conservative regulation that the Albanese government appeared to favour in its first term.
Specifically, the commission has urged the government to pause its approach to “mandatory guardrails” at least until a full audit of the way that existing laws and regulation already cover AI.
Shadow productivity minister Andrew Bragg says government should be wary of over-regulation of AI saying it could get in the way of billions of dollars’ worth of foreign investment.
One thing we did learn this week is that debates about artificial intelligence have landed in the mainstream in Australia. It has been a slow burn up until now, but 2025 has been the breakout year AI conversations that go beyond ChatGPT and chatbots.
A big week:
Ayres rules out copyright exemptions on data mining for AI – InnovationAus.com [Paywall]
‘No plans’ … but no guarantees either: Jim Chalmers on copyright changes – The Australian [Paywall]
Australia and the AI revolution – turning algorithms into opportunities – The Guardian
‘We couldn’t say no’: ACTU embraces AI – AFR [Paywall]
Labor under pressure on plans to regulate AI as Coalition accuses government of mixed messages – The Guardian
PC wants stay on AI rules to unlock $116bn – InnovationAus.com [Paywall]
Trump unveils AI action plan, vows US will win race with China – InnovationAus.com
‘Answer isn’t more rules’: Opposition on AI’s future in Australia – ABC
Research reprieve: Govt eases cap on international students – InnovationAus.com [Paywall]
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.