Current position
Overview
No AI-specific legislation has been enacted yet.
The AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026, including AI authority governance, was introduced to the House of Representatives on 7 September 2026. The Bill seeks to establish a framework designed to ensure that providers of certain advanced AI systems maintain the technical capacity to suspend or shut down those systems if serious risks arise. It also creates obligations to report critical incidents and provides emergency powers that may be exercised where necessary to prevent or reduce significant harm. These measures are intended to ensure that advanced AI systems remain accountable to human operators and are capable of being controlled if safety concerns emerge.
The government previously conducted public consultation on mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI systems in September 2024. A voluntary AI Ethics Framework remains in place alongside the new Bill.
Key legislation & sources
AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026 — Explanatory Memorandum
AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026 — Bill text
Department of Industry — AI in Australia
AI Ethics Framework
Regulatory developments
Latest updates
Latest event import:
Updates sourced from Digital Policy Alert ↗. Recent activity from the last three months.
consultation closed
Securities and Investments Commission closes consultation on amendments to Guide for securities market participants, including provisions on AI and machine learning
Source: Digital Policy Alert · View update ↗
consultation closed
Securities and Investments Commission closes consultation on amendments to guide for futures market participants, including provisions on AI and machine learning
Source: Digital Policy Alert · View update ↗
introduction
Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 including design requirements was introduced to House of Representatives
Source: Digital Policy Alert · View update ↗
adoption
Office of Information Commissioner issued guidance on transparency obligation in automated decision-making
Source: Digital Policy Alert · View update ↗
State action plan announced
Victoria announces sustainable data-centre development controls
Source: Digital Policy Alert
Victoria announced its Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and new expectations for renewable energy, water, siting and community benefits. The plan combines existing frameworks with measures requiring further implementation or consultation. This is a Victorian state initiative, separate from Commonwealth work, and the announcement does not establish that every proposed control is already operative.
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