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In Effect Policy AI Safety

AU National AI Plan

Australia National AI Plan and AI Safety Institute

National AI policy roadmap replacing previously proposed mandatory AI guardrails. Focuses on leveraging existing legal frameworks rather than new mandatory requirements. Establishes the Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) to monitor, test, and share information on AI risks and harms.

Jurisdiction

Australia

Enacted

Pending

Effective

Dec 2, 2025

Enforcement

TBD

National AI Plan released December 2, 2025. Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) announced November 25, 2025 with AUD 29.9M funding; operational early 2026.

Australian Government Department of Industry

Why It Matters

Represents Australia's shift from mandatory AI guardrails to a voluntary, institution-based approach. The AISI is the primary new mechanism for AI safety, providing monitoring and testing capabilities rather than enforceable requirements.

Recent Developments

Released December 2, 2025. Replaces previously proposed mandatory AI guardrails (au-ai-guardrails, now failed) with voluntary approach relying on existing legal frameworks. AISI joins International Network of AI Safety Institutes. Criticized for being 'big ambitions, light on details' with no measurable implementation milestones.

Who Must Comply

  • AI developers and deployers in Australia
  • Government agencies

Safety Provisions

  • Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) established for AI risk monitoring and testing
  • AISI to provide guidance on responsible AI adoption
  • AISI to support coordinated government action on AI safety
  • National AI Centre (NAIC) expanded as coordination hub
  • Relies on existing legal frameworks (Privacy Act, Consumer Law, sector rules)

View on map

Australia

Focus Areas

General regulation

Cite This

APA

Australia. (2025). Australia National AI Plan and AI Safety Institute.

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Last updated March 23, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.