ADVOCACY:: Creators Win, Big Tech Blocked in Copyright Grab!

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 copyright 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 change, the government ultimately 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 creative industry associations 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 creatives.

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

The government has ruled out a Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception.
Creative work remains protected under Australian copyright law.
Important note: industrially designed objects like furniture and lighting are not protected by copyright. Drawings and photography of these products are protected.
Designers, makers, and manufacturers keep compensation rights.
ADA led the call for a licensing model that supports fair pay and encourages innovation.
The decision safeguards local manufacturing and strengthens Australia’s design economy.

How the Creative Sector Fought Back

ADA’s submission to the Productivity Commission’s Copyright and AI Inquiry argued strongly against a TDM exception.

We called for creator consent, transparent licensing, and protection for bespoke and small makers.

To understand the ADA Position, please read our submission (find it at the end of this post, 6-minute read👇🏼).

“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 also propose licensing options that support AI development while preserving creative control for 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.