The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

The Government Response to the Privacy Act Review Report (13 April 2023) outlines proposed reforms to Australia’s privacy framework following a review released on 16 February 2023. It aims to modernise privacy law by updating definitions, strengthening individual rights, enhancing regulation (including automated decision-making and data breaches), and improving enforcement, with implementation requiring further consultation, guidance and legislative changes.

Published on 20 March 2025, the AI and Cyber Risk Model Clauses initiative by BuyICT.gov.au makes available a collection of contractual clauses for inclusion in digital and ICT procurement contracts in Australia. The AI model clauses support responsible, ethical, and secure procurement of AI systems, including custom solutions, embedded AI products, and internal AI tools, promoting transparency and accountability.

Proposed in July 2025, this bill amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to criminalize the use of technology, including AI, for the creation of child abuse material. It introduces new offences for downloading, accessing, supplying, or enabling access to such technology.

Proposed in June 2024, and adopted later that year in August, this bill introduces new offences into the Criminal Code Act 1995 targeting the non-consensual transmission of sexual material, including deepfake content. It criminalises the use of carriage services to share sexual material depicting individuals aged 18 or older without their consent, regardless of whether the material is real, altered, or generated using digital technologies such as AI.

Enacted in September 2024 and updated in December 2025, this policy outlines a framework for the safe, ethical, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across government entities. The policy introduces principles under the "enable, engage, and evolve" framework, mandates transparency and accountability measures, and provides guidance on risk assessment and integration with existing governance structures.

The Identity-Matching Services Bill 2019 (IMS Bill) authorises the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) to create and maintain facilities for the sharing of facial images and other identity information between government agencies, and in some cases, private organisations.

The AI Capability Fund was an allocation of over $29 million Australian dollars to build Australia's artificial intelligence capability and support the responsible development of AI.

The Space Infrastructure Fund (SIF) is a AUD $19.5 million (EUR 11.8 million) investment in seven infrastructure projects to drive the growth of Australia's space sector. The Space Infrastructure Fund: Robotics, Automation and AI Command and Control Centre grant opportunity provided a single grant of up to AUD 4.5 million (EUR 2.7 million) over three years, to establish the Robotics, Automation and AI command and Control Centre (the Centre) in Western Australia.

The Next Generation Technologies Fund is a AUD 730 million Australian government program that supports innovation by bringing together Defence, universities, industry, and research organizations. It aims to develop advanced technologies and create new commercial opportunities. This initiative helps strengthen national security and boost collaboration for future technology breakthroughs.

Future Science Platforms (FSPs) are an investment in science that underpins innovation and that has the potential to help reinvent and create new industries for Australia.

The MLAI FSP's cross disciplinary teams solve fundamental problems in scientific and data-driven research applications, creating a new ongoing capability within CSIRO to address core research challenges for the benefit of Australia.

On 31 March 2023, the Australian Government began work to better understand how algorithms operate on digital platforms and the potential harms they may cause. The initiative aims to explore regulatory options to keep users safe and improve platform transparency. This effort will help inform policies and build expertise to manage the impact of AI-driven algorithms.

The AI Solutions to Build a Stronger Australia program will provide challenge-based funding to support public-private partnerships that address challenges of national significant by piloting artificial intelligence solutions.

To develop a roadmap of Australia's engagement in the development of AI standards nationally and internationally.

The Australian Government's interim response to public consultation on Safe and responsible AI in Australia.

The Artificial Intelligence Capability Fund included AUD1.4 million to support PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence and machine learning, delivered through the CSIRO's Data61 Scholarships Program.

Aus4Innovation is an AUD 11 million development assistance program that aims to strengthen Vietnam's innovation system, prepare for and embrace opportunities associated with Industry 4.0, and help shape Vietnam's innovation agenda in science and technology.

The $50 million Manufacturing Modernisation Fund provides co-funding for capital investments by manufacturers to scale-up, invest in new technologies and develop high-value products.

The Catalysing the Artificial Intelligence Opportunity in our Regions will co-fund collaborative projects which support regional industries, businesses and communities benefit from the development, adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

A pilot program that provides $6 million in matched funding to establish six Industry 4.0 testlabs at six Australian universities.