AUSTRALIA TIGHTENS RULES ON GOVERNMENT AI DECISIONS

The Albanese government is moving to regulate artificial intelligence use in public sector operations as AI adoption accelerates across Australia. Under the framework, government agencies will face mandatory requirements when deploying automated decision-making systems. The plan addresses concerns about AI systems making consequential decisions affecting citizens without adequate oversight or transparency. It covers decisions spanning welfare benefits, licensing, permits, and regulatory compliance. The government is also backing Labor-led proposals for a digital duty of care law, which would establish broader accountability standards for tech companies and government use of AI. The initiative comes as Australia experiences rapid AI expansion and a construction boom in data centres. Regulators are attempting to balance innovation with protection against algorithmic bias and errors that could harm citizens relying on government services.