The plan aims to accelerate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence across Australia whilst ensuring that every Australian can share in its benefits and remain protected from potential risks. The initiative is backed by AUD $29.9 million to establish an AI Safety Institute in early 2026.

The plan is structured around three core goals. First, capturing the opportunities by attracting investment in Australia's digital and physical infrastructure, supporting local AI capability, and positioning Australia as a leading destination for future AI investment. Second, spreading the benefits through improved public services, supporting AI adoption across the economy, and building skills in organisations including not-for-profits, universities, schools, TAFEs and community groups. Third, keeping Australians safe through the AI Safety Institute, which will monitor, test and share information on emerging AI capabilities, risks and harms, alongside robust legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks. The government has already catalysed private sector investments that could scale up to more than AUD $100 billion. The plan supports growth and commercialisation of Australian AI solutions through an AI Accelerator funding round of the Cooperative Research Centres program. The Future Skills Organisation is developing digital and AI units of competency across Australian Qualifications Framework levels to ensure the workforce is equipped for the technology. The plan provides guidance for government, industry, researchers and communities to ensure all Australians, including First Nations peoples, women, people with disability and regional communities, can benefit from AI.

Key initiatives:

• AUD $29.9 million committed to establish the AI Safety Institute in early 2026

• Three core goals: capturing opportunities, spreading benefits, and keeping Australians safe

• AI Accelerator funding round launched through the Cooperative Research Centres program to support Australian AI commercialisation

  
  

[1] https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-ai-plan

[2] https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/charlton/media-releases/national-ai-plan-empowering-all-australians>

[3]

[1] https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-ai-plan

[2] https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/charlton/media-releases/national-ai-plan-empowering-all-australians>

[3]

[1] https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-ai-plan

[2] https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/charlton/media-releases/national-ai-plan-empowering-all-australians>

[3]