On 26 October 2025, the Australian Government announced it would reject a proposal to allow artificial intelligence (AI) companies to mine copyrighted material without permission — a landmark decision supporting the rights of Australian creatives. This move comes amid growing concerns from artists, writers, and musicians over the unlicensed use of their work to train AI systems.
At the core of the debate is “text and data mining” – the process by which AI models consume vast amounts of content to learn and generate new material. Tech companies had lobbied for legal exemptions, claiming it would foster innovation and productivity. However, many Australian creators argued that such exemptions would strip them of control over their intellectual property.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland confirmed the government’s stance: copyright protections will remain intact, and AI developers must seek permission before using creative works. This puts Australia in line with countries like the US and UK, where debates are ongoing but exemptions have not been universally adopted.
The decision follows growing international backlash from artists who have discovered AI-generated outputs that closely mimic their styles or use their work without credit. By refusing to loosen copyright laws, Australia is setting a precedent that creative ownership matters — even in the age of AI.
This is a pivotal moment for the arts community, particularly in regional areas like the Mid North Coast, where creative industries are vital to local culture and economy. Ensuring legal protections remain strong helps artists feel secure in continuing to innovate and share their work.
As AI technology evolves, the challenge will be balancing innovation with integrity. For now, Australia has taken a clear step in defending the rights of its creative community.