The Australian government is launching an AI safety institute

A new government-funded body will assess the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), fulfilling a promise made by Labor prior to the last election

The Australian AI Safety Institute will evaluate emerging AI capabilities, share information and support timely actions to address potential risks.

Industry, innovation and science minister Tim Ayres said in a joint release with assistant minister Dr Andrew Charlton that the Institute “will provide a dynamic, fit-for-purpose capability that is responsive to AI’s pervasiveness and rapid evolution”.

The Institute will also work across government to support best practice regulation, advise where updates to legislation might be needed and coordinate timely and consistent action to protect Australians, as well as ensuring AI companies are compliant with local law.

The idea is backing by a range of industry groups including the Business Council of Australia and the Tech Policy Design Institute.

The announcement comes during National AI Week, run by the National AI Centre, which will be a partner in the project, along with the International Network of AI Safety Institutes.

Ayres said it will be charged with reinforcing public confidence in both AI and the institutions responsible for its governance, and also support global efforts to address AI risks and harms, and ensure AI development aligns with Australia’s values.

Meanwhile, the sector awaits the release of the National AI Plan, which is due to be released before the end of the year, now just five weeks away.

“Adopted properly and safely, AI can revitalise industry, boost productivity and lift the living standards of all Australians,” he said.

“But there are two sides to this coin. While the opportunities are immense, we need to make sure we are keeping Australians safe from any malign uses of AI.

“The Institute will be the government’s hub of AI safety expertise. It will operate with transparency, responsiveness and technical rigour to make sure Australians are confident to use this game-changing technology safely.”

At a doorstop to announce plants for the Institute today, the one thing minister Ayres didn’t do was put a dollar figure on just how much the government will invest in it.

It’s due to kick off in early 2026.