AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation creates two new safeguards for Australia. First, it requires companies developing advanced AI systems to keep the ability to shut them down if serious problems emerge, and to report critical incidents to authorities — ensuring humans remain in control of powerful AI. Second, it freezes construction of new large-scale AI data centres and major expansions of existing ones until Parliament sets rules protecting agricultural land, water supplies, energy affordability, the environment, and public health, since these facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water. The law references the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014 to enforce these requirements. It addresses concerns that rapid AI development could threaten both AI safety and rural communities, by giving Parliament time to establish proper protections before data centre growth accelerates further.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause