Does Jim Chalmers support AI safety policies?

Position unclear. While Jim Chalmers hasn't stated their position, Labor has an unclear stance on AI safety policies.

Jim Chalmers (Labor) represents Rankin in the House of Representatives.

In public statements he has consistently advocated for a "sensible, middle path" approach to AI regulation, emphasising treating AI as "an enabler, not an enemy" while seeking to "maximise the opportunities of AI while we manage the risks as best we can."

Current Positions

Treasurer

Since 2025

Economic policy leadership, AI's impact on employment and economic growth, fiscal policy for AI investment

Key Statements on AI Safety

“Artificial intelligence is a game changer for our economy. It has the potential to support all of our major economic goals, making our economy more productive, stronger, lifting living standards over time”

Treasury Ministers · View source →

1 of 8

Loading quotes...

Contact Treasurer Chalmers

Official contact page →

Their score on expert-recommended AI safety policies

Over 357 experts, public figures, and concerned citizens endorsed these policies in their open letter before the 2025 election.

AI Safety Institute

A well-resourced, independent technical body to assess AI risks and advise on safety standards.

Learn more about this policy

Jim Chalmers unclear position (from party policy)

Party Notes: Labor claims that the Department of Industry, working with the National AI Centre (NAIC), is Australia's AI Safety Institute. This contrasts with international AISIs, which are typically new, independent, technically-focused bodies. The NAIC’s mandate is AI adoption, not frontier safety. Key indicators of a functional AISI such as dedicated technical staff, specific funding, evaluation capabilities (e.g., model testing, compute resources) appear absent and unplanned. This makes Labor's position ambiguous regarding genuine support for a well-resourced safety institute.

Show details

Mandatory Guardrails

A dedicated AI Act with mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI systems will both protect Australians and create the certainty businesses need to innovate.

Learn more about this policy

◐

Jim Chalmers partially supports (from party policy)

Party Notes: Labor says it's focused on legislative options around mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI, harmonised with international best practices. Labor said on 15 April, “We will have more to say about next steps soon.” While this suggests an Australian AI Act is a possibility, it leaves the door open to letting existing regulators handle AI on a piecemeal basis.

Show details

How do the politicians score on AI safety?

Search to see where parties and candidates stand on key AI policy issues

Loading search...