Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton.
The Albanese Labor Government welcomes AI investment – on terms that work for Australians and advance our national interests.
Today the Government signed a new collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Anthropic to build on the National AI Plan launched by Government in late 2025.
The Government welcomes the commitment by Anthropic in the MoU to align any future Australian operations with the Australian Government’s Expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers, released on 23 March 2026.
This is the first arrangement signed under the National AI Plan. It outlines how Anthropic will support the Australian AI ecosystem and sets out areas of collaboration aligned with Australia’s national plan.
The National AI plan establishes a framework for action, bringing Government, industry, research and community together to capture the opportunities of artificial intelligence, spread the benefits and to ensure Australians stay safe.
Anthropic is a global leader in AI technology, safety and research, with many Australians using its Claude AI.
The MoU states Anthropic’s intent to support local researchers and to work with Australia’s AI Safety Institute on understanding cutting-edge AI capabilities.
It outlines options for future collaboration to support Australian workers, startups and small businesses, build skills, and help the Government harness AI to deliver better services faster, for all Australians.
This MoU will track AI progress and promote safety, support supply chain security and power Australia’s research, development and innovation sector.
You can read the MoU in full here: https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/memorandum-understanding-between-australian-government-and-anthropic-collaboration-ai-opportunities
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres:
“This MoU sends a clear signal to Australians that we are open for business, where investment aligns with Australia’s priorities and Australian values.
“The Australian Government and Anthropic are working together to harness AI responsibly – securing investment into Australia’s energy grid, driving economic resilience and safety for all Australians.
“This MoU will drive progress under the National AI Plan launched by the Albanese Labor Government last year, and will strengthen Australia’s position as an attractive place to invest.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton:
“Labor is committed to ensuring AI works for the Australian people, and not the other way around.
“Australia needs technology partners who share our values and are committed to supporting our national interests, and this agreement is a positive step in that direction.”
