AI ‘transforming our profession’, A-G Rowland tells in-house lawyers

“Right now, Australia is in a period of great change, with artificial intelligence transforming our profession, such as the ways we undertake legal research, analysis and drafting, to our personal lives, including the way we consume content, like news and other forms of creative content,” A-G Rowland said.

A-G Rowland reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring Australia fully harnesses the benefits of AI, while embedding strong legal safeguards designed to protect Australians and ensure no one is left exposed as the technology accelerates.

“As the government and industry respond to these changes, the Albanese government is committed to ensuring that Australia is best placed to unlock the benefits of AI, while ensuring that the right legal protections are in place,” A-G Rowland said.

“This is particularly relevant when considering Australia’s copyright framework, and those who rely on it to protect their livelihoods, like our artists.”

Describing Australia’s copyright framework as “longstanding and robust” and consistent with international law, A-G Rowland expressed that the government has drawn a clear line in the sand, reaffirming its backing of Australian creatives as AI reshapes the industry.

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“Australia has a longstanding and robust copyright system which is consistent with international law,” A-G Rowland said.

“The government backs our copyright framework, and in considering both the challenges and opportunities AI presents, has reaffirmed to Australian creatives that the government, and Australia’s copyright framework, has their back.”

In a strong endorsement of the creative sector, A-G Rowland hailed Australian creatives as “world class” and “the lifeblood of Australian culture”, arguing that robust legal protections are essential as AI adoption accelerates across the economy.

A-G Rowland outlined that licensing agreements between AI companies and rights holders sit at the heart of the government’s approach, positioning them as the clearest and most workable path forward for both the creative sector and the rapidly evolving AI industry.

“The government firmly believes that the best way forward for both artists and AI companies is for these parties to enter into licensing arrangements to ensure our creative industries and media sector are fairly compensated,” A-G Rowland said.

“Australia’s copyright system allows for the use of copyright material for AI through licensing arrangements.”

Amid continued pressure from advocacy groups calling for broader exceptions to copyright law, A-G Rowland reaffirmed a firm stance from the Albanese government: there are no plans to weaken Australia’s existing copyright protections under AI reform.

“The government has been clear for some time that there are no plans to weaken copyright protections when it comes to AI,” A-G Rowland said.

“This includes ruling out a text and data mining exception, which I was extremely proud to announce last year.”

As AI continues to evolve, A-G Rowland signalled that the government will take a deliberate and consultative approach to future copyright and AI policy reform, aimed at ensuring strong legal protections for creative and media organisations are maintained.

“It’s so important in the age of AI that we have the right legal protections in place for our creatives and media organisations,” A-G Rowland said.

“This is an important body of work that the government is considering in a measured and consultative way. We’re not afraid to take the time required to get this right.”

As part of this process, A-G Rowland pointed to the establishment of the Copyright and AI Reference Group, explaining how it “brings together creators, industry, and experts to shape how copyright works in the age of AI”.

A-G Rowland said: “While this work is underway, events such as today’s Corporate Counsel Summit are vital in promoting active discussions around artificial intelligence, including how policymakers and businesses can ensure AI works in the interests of all Australians.”