National AI Plan: no standalone AI Act, existing laws apply
BuildAIPolicy Research · Added 27 October 2026 · Last checked 27 October 2026
What it is
The Australian Government's National AI Plan confirmed there will be no standalone AI Act and that the proposed mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI won't be introduced. AI is regulated through existing laws, such as privacy, consumer, workplace and online safety law, with changes considered where gaps appear. A national AI Safety Institute is being set up.
Who it affects
All organisations in Australia that use AI.
What to consider
- Check how your AI use fits existing obligations, especially privacy and consumer law.
- Watch for targeted law changes rather than a single AI Act.
Sources
Put rules like this into practice
The AI Policy & Risk Pack gives your organisation an AI use policy, a risk register, an AI tool inventory and notice wording, written from how you use AI. Preview every section free before you pay. It isn't legal advice.
A general summary of public information, checked against the sources listed on the date shown. It isn't legal advice and may not cover every rule that applies to you. Check the sources, and get professional advice for your situation.