Source : Perth Now news
Labor will explore a “world-leading” ban on controversial smart glasses in some workplaces as Anthony Albanese heads to the United States for talks with tech leaders.
The Prime Minister will depart on Friday for California, where he will meet Apple chairman Tim Cook at the invitation of the Silicon Valley stalwart.
He is then due to travel to the United Nations in New York to spruik the government’s under-16 social media ban and Digital Duty of Care.
“Australia is working to prevent online harm, particularly for our children, and I am proud that Australia is setting the world standard for digital safety,” Mr Albanese said.
Talks are also expected to canvass the “enormous opportunity for Australia” of AI.
“But we must make sure this growth happens in a way that works for Australians and in our national interest,” Mr Albanese said.
“That means attracting investment and backing innovation, while putting the right protections in place as technology evolves.
“We want Australia to be a country that helps shape the AI age, rather than simply responding to it.”
It comes as Finance Minister Katy Gallagher seeks advice on a potential ban or restriction on smart glasses, including Facebook parent company Meta’s Ray Bans.
The potential ban would capture glasses capable of recording and would apply to Australian Public Service workplaces.
The APS last week issued guidance for consultation on the use of AI in the workplace, with Ms Gallagher to also ask the APC Commission to provide advice on the use of smart glasses and whether some exemptions may be appropriate.
“The APS should always set the standard as a model employer,” Ms Gallagher said.
“Technology is changing rapidly and as a major employer the commonwealth needs to make sure our workplace policies keep pace.
“Smart glasses can raise legitimate privacy and security concerns, particularly because of their ability to record and capture information, and we need clear and consistent guidance for public servants.”
Anthropic meeting
On Tuesday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers met with Anthropic special envoy Jeff Bleich on AI ahead of the release next week of the 2026 Intergenerational Report.
Mr Chalmers said AI was “shaping up to be the biggest economic transformation of our lifetime”.
“The global AI boom is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and we are positioning Australia to capture more of that supply chain,” he said.
“Sitting down with Anthropic’s Special Envoy was a really valuable opportunity to discuss the economic opportunities ahead, as well as the importance of strong safeguards and governance frameworks following recent statements from Anthropic’s CEO and other industry leaders this week.”
Mr Bleich, in a statement, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Treasurer and that it provided him “an insight” into next week’s report.
“Australia brings a great deal to this: a skilled workforce, strong institutions and a clear-eyed approach to new technology,” he said.
“We are committed to realising the enormous potential of this technology in a safe and responsible way, and working with like-minded countries such as Australia is an important part of that.”
An excerpt from the report stated the accelerated pace of AI-related developments were “likely to continue”, with capital investment in cloud computing providers to exceed $1 trillion in 2026.
“The economic and social implications of AI are expected to be profound but the specific impacts will depend on the evolution of the technology, how deeply and broadly AI is adopted, and how it will be used,” the report stated.
“Australia is a leading destination globally for data centre … (and) potential to capture value in other parts of global AI supply chains.
“While there is not yet evidence of significant labour market impacts, it is expected that productivity gains will arise from some tasks being automated using AI, and that demand for labour will increase and change in other areas.
“Australia is well positioned to benefit from the AI technological revolution if we get the settings right.”
AI talks
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth will also hold a roundtable of major Australian employers on the implementation of AI.
The talks will help inform Australia’s first tripartite Best Practice Guidance for AI in the workplace.
“To realise the potential productivity gains from AI, workers and businesses need the capability to adopt new technologies with confidence that appropriate safeguards are in place,” Ms Rishworth said.
“Today’s AI Employer Roundtable will harness the experience of Australian workplaces already finding new and innovative ways to use AI.”
Discussion will focus “sharing” benefits of AU between workers and employers, management changes, and building worker skills.
A discussion paper into the National AI Standards from the newly-minted Office of AI will also be released on Friday, and is expected to canvass energy obligations for large-scale data centres, as well as water usage, skills and training contributions, and location.
Submissions for the consultation paper are open until October 9.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the new standards were “about ensuring Australia captures the enormous opportunities of artificial intelligence while maintaining the trust and confidence of the community”.
“Clear, practical standards will help business innovate, boost productivity and create new opportunities, while ensuring AI is deployed safely, responsibly and with appropriate human oversight,” he said.
“By setting high standards now, Australia can shape the future of this technology rather than simply adopting standards made overseas.”
