MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Mr ABDO (Calwell) (16:12): I thank the member for Curtin for bringing this matter of public importance here today. AI is essential policy conversation across the world that demands our full attention. When it comes to AI, we as a government are driven by progress and principles.

We agree that this emerging technology represents a generational opportunity for Australia if properly harnessed. It presents immense opportunities just as it carries significant risks, and our focus on progress and principles means that our approach as a government is to engage with both simultaneously with seriousness and urgency. It is relevant to our economy, workforce, national security and online safety as well as research, science, innovation and the productivity of our economy.

When it comes to action, this government is taking world-leading action guided by a clear set of principles. The Albanese government's National AI Plan sets out three key pillars which are focused on capturing the opportunity before us, sharing in its benefits and keeping Australians safe. As announced by the Prime Minister, the government will introduce AI laws in Australia's interests—a nationally consistent regulatory framework that will work with the states and territories to set minimum requirements for large data centres.

This world-leading framework will ensure Australia can capture the opportunity, share the benefits and keep Australians safe. Over the past nine months alone, the government has released the National AI Plan; released national expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure; established the AI Safety Institute; announced that Australia will legislate AI safety and a world-leading artificial intelligence framework to ensure that the development of AI in Australia is aligned with our interests; established the Office of AI in the Prime Minister's department to deliver the development of the standards; and established a 'buy Australian' initiative for Australian-made AI.

The Prime Minister will be at the UN General Assembly next week, where a key focus of his will be technology regulation. The Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister Charlton also recently travelled to the United States to engage on Australia's national AI standards and issues to do with AI safety. It's an all-hands-on-deck effort, engaging every part of the government.

I have previously spoken about a proposed large-scale data centre in Campbellfield, on the site of the old Ford plant, in my electorate. I have stressed the need for communities like mine to understand what impact this development may have on our local area, including the potential impact on local energy and water resources and ongoing noise, as well as whether this is the best use of what was a key manufacturing hub for our community.

I was devastated when the Liberals drove Ford and local jobs on that site out of our area, and that site means a lot to me and to our community. We all remember the workers who were there, who made things in Australia and who, in doing so, helped make Australia. When it comes to AI, it should be done the Australian way—without undercutting conditions or dividing communities or damaging our environment.

Major industrial developments need to contribute to local jobs and local opportunities and must take into account our local environment and the future of our region. As AI demand and reliance on cloud computing grow, data centre investment in our area must happen in ways that deliver positive outcomes for our community. While planning decisions and approvals are not a matter for federal government, I have made it clear that the Albanese Labor government has set out clear expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure to ensure that investments provide tangible benefits, both locally and across Australia.

Operators must prioritise Australia's national interests not only by strengthening our security and resilience but also by delivering benefits for our local communities. Any proposal will be required to bring additional renewable energy to power their site, and we're acting to make sure they don't put upward pressure on energy prices with our world-leading rules.

They will also be expected to manage water responsibly, create well paid local jobs and skills, and back startups and research innovation and supply chains. Data centre developments must meet these expectations. Our community deserves clear answers, genuine consultation and transparent planning processes aligned with the federal government's clear expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure.

I will continue to advocate strongly for our area and for the long-term liveability, sustainability and wellbeing of our growing community, just as the Albanese government is fully engaged on the opportunities and risks presented by AI. The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Claydon ): The time for this discussion has now concluded.