Albanese’s big test: Australian creatives and AI companies need certainty

Angie Bell MP
Shadow Minister for The Arts
Shadow Minister for Sport
Shadow Minister for Youth
Federal Member for Moncrieff

Aaron Violi MP
Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy
Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation
Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
Federal Member for Casey

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

The Prime Minister promised Australian creatives that his government would protect their work.

Now, he owes them a straight answer.

OpenAI’s reported ultimatum to the government on Australian copyright poses a serious question: will the Albanese Labor Government stand up for the rights of Australian creators?

Australian creatives spend years cultivating music, film, publishing, design and art that shape our national identity and contribute billions to our economy.

Shadow Minister for the Arts Angie Bell MP said the government has a responsibility to ensure Australia’s creatives don’t become collateral damage a rush to placate Big Tech.

“Pursuing innovation and protecting creators are not mutually exclusive,” Ms Bell said.

“Our creatives are the people who write our songs, make our films, tell our stories and shape our Australian culture – their work is not a free resource for Big Tech to exploit.”

“Australian copyright laws protect and fairly compensate creators, just as they do in the United States and United Kingdom. Their governments aren’t selling them out – will this Prime Minister really be the first to buckle?”

“The Prime Minister promised creatives their work would be protected. If his position has changed once again, he needs to front up and be honest about it.”

Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Aaron Violi MP said the government must provide certainty and clarity to both Australian creatives and AI companies.

“Certainty is what drives investment into Australia and give rights holders confidence.”

“We can embrace the enormous opportunities AI presents while maintaining the basic principle that Australian creators own their work and deserve fair compensation.”

“Artificial intelligence presents huge opportunities for our nation, but we must ensure that AI is working for Australians.”

ENDS