Positive AI news as Australian Government rules out TDM copyright exception

Australian Publishers Association logo
27/10/2025

The APA warmly welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to rule out a Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception to copyright law, and to re-establish the Copyright and AI Reference Group (CAIRG) to explore licensing solutions for AI.

This announcement is a strong recognition of the importance of Australian authors and publishers, and of copyright as a foundation of cultural and economic value. 

By choosing not to proceed with a TDM exception, the Government has affirmed that copyright remains a vital framework, underpinning investment in new Australian stories and ideas.


“This welcome decision by the Albanese Government confirms that AI must respect creator rights, and operate within lawful licensing arrangements.”
- Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, CEO of the Australian Publishers Association (APA).


A win for Australian creatives
This is a welcome outcome for publishers, authors, illustrators and creators across books, screen, music and news media. It provides greater certainty for publishers when:

  • Licensing content to technology companies.
  • Investing in new Australian-authored works.
  • Protecting against unlicensed use of creative content in AI systems.

The APA thanks the Government for listening to the concerns of the sector and acknowledges the efforts of industry partners, including the ASA, Copyright Agency, Screenrights, APRA AMCOS, and others who contributed to this advocacy. The APA will now take part in the first meeting of the re-established Copyright & Artificial Intelligence Reference Group (CAIRG), where we will:

  • Contribute to discussions on how licensing can support responsible, innovative AI use.
  • Advocate for fair remuneration and ethical use of Australian creative content.
  • Ensure the value of publisher investment and Australian intellectual property is protected.

What happens next 

While this is a very positive development, work continues to advocate for solutions that protect creative investment, while enabling responsible AI innovation.

There are still important policy questions to be addressed, including:

  • How AI uses creative content, and whether transparency of AI training data should be required.
  • How copyright is enforced in the age of AI, particularly in offshore environments.
  • How Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) is respected.
  • The role of voluntary licensing solutions in supporting AI innovation.

The APA will continue to work constructively with the Government through CAIRG, while briefing Ministers, Shadow Ministers, advisors and departmental staff. We’ll keep members informed as policy discussions develop. For regular updates, follow the APA on LinkedIn.
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