Federal Government Backs Creators’ Rights
In a surprise decision, the Australian Government has rejected proposals to weaken copyright laws.
Big tech will not get free access to Australian creative work to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
This is a huge win for Australian creators.
Your work stays protected. Your rights remain intact!
“This decision protects the soul of Australian creativity.
It proves our work has value and that innovation doesn’t mean exploitation.”
— Anne-Maree Sargeant, Authentic Design Alliance®
A Landmark Win for Creatives
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed the government will not allow AI systems to train on protected creative works without consent or payment.
Whilst big tech companies pushed hard for a change, ultimately the government said no.
There will be no Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception in Australia
This decision is being celebrated across the creative sector.
Designers, photographers, makers, and artists all helped make it happen.
“The outcome proves the power of collective action across Australia’s creative industries.
We stood united, and the government listened.
Protecting original work protects our culture, our economy, and our future.”
— Anne-Maree Sargeant, Authentic Design Alliance®
Protecting the Design and Manufacturing Sector
Industry leaders had warned that a TDM exception could weaken protection for authors, designers, and artists.
The Authentic Design Alliance (ADA) joined those calls and highlighted the risks for product photography, design imagery, and local manufacturing.
“Allowing AI to scrape Australian creative work without consent hands our nation’s design IP to global tech giants for no repayment.
We must protect creativity, not commodify it.”
— Authentic Design Alliance®
Key Points
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The government has ruled out a Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception.
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Creative work remains protected under Australian copyright law.
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Designers, makers, and manufacturers keep compensation rights.
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ADA led the call for a licensing model that supports fair pay and encourages innovation.
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The decision safeguards local manufacturing and strengthens Australia’s design economy.
How the Creative Sector Fought Back
We called for creator consent, transparent licensing, and protection for bespoke and small makers.
“The Authentic Design Alliance warned that the proposed changes would erode creative rights, encourage replica production, and weaken Australia’s cultural and economic integrity.”
Explainer – What happened, What’s next?
A Labour Government working group will explore which copyright reforms may be needed to ensure creator rights are supported.
Ongoing consultations will propose licensing options that support AI development but keep creative control with artists and makers.
The Authentic Design Alliance® will stay active in these discussions.
We’ll keep fighting for policies that protect creativity, originality, and Australia’s design economy.
Further Reading
ADA OBJECTIONS: Submission objecting to the Productivity Commission’s recommendations
AUDIO EXPLAINER: TripleJ HACK report (Start at 2.42 > 14.30 minutes) – essential streaming
ABC NEWS: Federal government rules out changing copyright law to give AI companies free rein
THE GUARDIAN: Labour rules out giving tech giants free rein to mine copyright content to train AI
