Arabic version: حزب العمال يدرس قيوداً على النظارات الذكية ومعايير للذكاء الاصطناعي

According to ABC News, the federal government is considering restricting smart glasses capable of covert recording in Commonwealth workplaces while consulting on national artificial intelligence standards. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to travel to the United States on Friday for talks with technology executives and world leaders, with AI and online safety set to be major themes.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has asked the Australian Public Service Commission for advice on smart-glasses use across Commonwealth workplaces, including whether the devices should be prohibited and which exemptions could apply. She said the technology raised privacy and security concerns because of its ability to record and capture information. The government has also asked the Privacy Commissioner to give smart glasses priority consideration.

Separately, consultation has opened on proposed national AI standards for large data centres and frontier AI-model training in Australia. The data-centre requirements would cover power supply, energy costs, water use, location, community engagement and skills. Proposed conditions for frontier-model training would address safety, security, transparency and local investment. The consultation closes on October 9, and the government plans to legislate the standards early in the new year.

AI will feature in next week’s 2026 Intergenerational Report, which will consider implications for productivity, jobs and investment over coming decades. Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth will also host an AI roundtable on Friday, with Microsoft, Telstra, Kmart, Blackmores Group and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia among the employers expected to attend. The meeting is part of five consultations this month intended to develop Australia’s first best-practice guidance for AI in workplaces.