Expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers
This document sets out the Australian Government's expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers, serving as the foundation for their social licence to operate. The guidelines outline five key expectations covering national interest and security, the energy transition, sustainable water usage, workforce and skills development, and research and innovation capability. Proposals aligned with these expectations will be prioritized by the government, while energy-intensive proposals not aligned will not be prioritized in Commonwealth regulatory assessments.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Data centre operators and AI infrastructure developers planning new or expanded operations within Australia.
What the document contains
The document addresses government expectations for new or expanded data centres and AI infrastructure developers in Australia regarding national security, energy grid impacts, water efficiency, workforce development, and research contributions.
It does not alter existing Australian legal obligations or act as a substitute for compliance with national, state, and territory laws.
- The Australian Government has set national expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers to guide their social licence to operate.
- Developers are expected to support Australia's energy transition without placing upward pressure on energy prices or grid stability.
- Data centres must adopt innovative and sustainable solutions for efficient water usage and engage with local communities and First Nations peoples.
- Operators should invest in the Australian workforce through fair jobs, apprenticeships, and structured training pathways.
- Large-scale compute providers and hyperscalers must contribute to local research, innovation, and supply chains while providing compute access to start-ups and researchers.
· About the expectations · How the expectations work · Expectation 1 – Prioritising Australia’s national interest · Expectation 2 – Supporting Australia’s energy transition · Expectation 3 – Sustainable and efficient water usage · Expectation 4 – Investment in Australian skills and workforce · Expectation 5 – Research, innovation and local capability · More information
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
2/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Data centre operators should conduct their businesses in ways which work for the benefit of the Australian economy, people and their local communities.
Expectation 1
screening score · 2026-10-24
Fairness
1/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
They should engage early and work proactively with water utilities, communities and First Nations peoples to determine appropriate locations
Expectation 3
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
2/5Protection of personal data and private life
They should protect sensitive and personal data, prepare for threats and disruptions, and limit physical and digital access to their data centres to those with a right to it.
Expectation 1
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
2/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
provide ongoing transparent reporting about their water usage and efficiency.
Expectation 3
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
The Australian Government will prioritise proposals most closely aligned with the expectations.
How the expectations work
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
screening score · 2026-10-24