Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled plans to establish the Office of AI within his department and implement a national framework called 'Australian Standards' to regulate artificial intelligence.

The initiative includes introducing legal standards for AI and data centres by early next year, requiring operators to fund new energy generation and address environmental impacts like water usage.The measures aim to position Australia as a leader in responsible AI development while balancing economic growth with sustainability goals.

Critics argue the proposals lack coherence, but supporters see them as essential steps to harness AI's potential without compromising ecological integrity.

The plan reflects broader global efforts to establish governance frameworks for emerging technologies, though Australia's approach faces challenges in aligning industry interests with environmental protections.