Technology policy and regulation in Australia
Policy and regulation for technology, software, platforms, telecommunications and data businesses, including AI developers and users. Below are the official items from the last 14 days that we rated high or medium for Technology, each linked to its official source.
What we match to Technology
We rate each item for Technology. Items on these subjects, among others, are matched to this sector:
- AI and digital platforms
- Data, privacy and cyber
- Online safety
- Telecommunications and media
- Digital assets and crypto
- Competition and mergers
Official items from the last 14 days
As at 2:50 am on 21 Oct 2026 (Sydney time), 30 official items from the last 14 days are rated high or medium for Technology.
ACMA publishes initial industry guidance on new rules prohibiting notable people in gambling advertising (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
ACMA consults on Automatic Frequency Coordination in the 5925–6585 MHz frequency range: Next steps (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Stronger penalty options to lift telco consumer protections (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Australian Communications and Media Authority (Scams Prevention Framework – Telecommunications Code) Direction 2026 (opens the official source in a new tab)
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 12 October 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.
Securing information integrity and the public interest in a world of fake news (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryElizabeth Tydd, Information Commissioner, published an article marking International Access to Information Day. The OAIC recorded a 42% increase in review requests in 2025-26 as the community seeks government information as a counterbalance to misinformation. Tydd argues that access to information is essential for information integrity and democracy. The OAIC will soon release a Statement on Information Rights Preservation in Artificial Intelligence. Privacy Act transparency requirements will commence on 10 December 2026. AIAC members adopted a uniform digital icon to promote information access.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website - www.oaic.gov.au (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Foxtel breaches tobacco advertising rules (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Far North Queensland small and family businesses first to access free AI courses (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Queensland Government's $11.5 million micro-credentials program has commenced in Far North Queensland, with almost 80 small and family businesses beginning free courses in Artificial Intelligence, Business Planning, Continuity and Resilience, and Workforce Development. Courses are delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast and available in-person and online over six weeks with weekly two-hour workshops. Additional courses and regional face-to-face options will become available in 2027.
(c) State of Queensland. Source: statements.qld.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
ACMA consults on frequency assignments for special event services in the broadcasting services bands (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
ACMA consults on annual population-based updates to apparatus licence taxes (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Hunter the first to trial new tech to avoid delays at Adamstown Level Crossing (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au
New Chair to lead Aviation Australia (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Queensland Government has appointed Mark Xavier as Chair of Aviation Australia. Xavier is Managing Director of V-TOL Aerospace Pty Limited and Australian Unmanned Systems Academy Pty Limited, with experience in drone technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and specialist aviation training. He replaces outgoing Chair Elsa Dalessio. The appointment aims to support development of Queensland's aviation and aerospace workforce.
(c) State of Queensland. Source: statements.qld.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Software and Administration Systems (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) State of Victoria (Department of Education). Source: Policy and Advisory Library (www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal), licensed under CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
ARENA seeks local and global solar innovators for $250 million solar manufacturing round (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched Round 3 of the Solar Sunshot program with up to $250 million to support manufacture and scale-up of solar technologies in Australia. The round is open to Australian and international companies seeking to establish, expand or demonstrate manufacturing and product development. Round 3 focuses on commercial-scale manufacture of solar balance of plant and deployment technologies including racking, tracking systems, robotics and automation. Expressions of interest will open on 2 November 2026.
Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (arena.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU
Crypto asset tax transparency - draft legislation (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) Commonwealth of Australia. Source: treasury.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Open Government Partnership: Inform the development of Australia's Fourth National Action Plan (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Attorney-General's Department is consulting on Australia's Fourth National Action Plan (NAP4) for the Open Government Partnership, to be completed by end of 2026. The Open Government Forum has developed seven potential commitments for 2027–2028 implementation, covering media literacy, youth engagement, corporate ownership transparency, civic participation, AI transparency, fraud control and disability access. The consultation closes 6 November 2026 and seeks public feedback on commitment priorities and implementation approaches.
Draft guidance on airworthiness-related operational safety objectives for AusSORA (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Civil Aviation Safety Authority is consulting on draft guidance for airworthiness-related operational safety objectives under the Australian Specific Operational Risk Assessment (AusSORA). The consultation covers seven operational safety objectives: manufacturing, maintenance, C3 link characteristics, conformity check, flight envelope protection, recovery from human error, and human factors. Feedback closes 11 November 2026. CASA will review submissions, publish responses where permitted, and update the guidance accordingly.
ACMA consults on updating benchmark datasets for expiring spectrum licences (ESLs) (opens the official source in a new tab)
Australian Communications and Media Authority (c) Commonwealth of Australia
Tackling fraud and financial abuse (opens the official source in a new tab)
(c) Commonwealth of Australia. Source: treasury.gov.au, licensed under CC BY 4.0
Australian-made solar robots move towards commercial scale with $31.1 million in ARENA funding (opens the official source in a new tab)
AI summaryThe Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $31.1 million under Round 2 of the Solar Sunshot Program to establish solar robotics manufacturing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane. Luminous Robotics will receive up to $17.8 million to manufacture autonomous solar panel installation robots (LUMIs) in Melbourne, targeting around 100 robots by 2029. Built Robotics Australia will receive up to $13.3 million to establish a Brisbane hub for autonomous piling systems, manufacturing and deploying 12 robotic piling systems. The projects aim to improve productivity, reduce construction costs and ease workforce constraints in large-scale solar farm construction.
Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (arena.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU