Meeting of National Cabinet

National Cabinet met in Sydney today to discuss a range of priorities affecting Australians, including Australia’s new artificial intelligence laws, progressing policies to end gender-based violence, firearm reform following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, avian flu transferring to mammals, and fuel security in light of the ongoing serious conflict in the Middle East.

Following the Commonwealth’s world leading action on artificial intelligence (AI) to develop national laws by early 2027, First Ministers agreed the emerging technology represents a generational opportunity for Australia if properly harnessed.

First Ministers agreed that large data centres bring material energy, water and land-use impacts that need to be managed.

As announced by the Prime Minister on 15 July 2026, the Australian Government will introduce AI laws in Australia’s Interests, a nationally consistent regulatory framework that will set minimum requirements for large data centres.

This world-leading framework will ensure Australia can capture the opportunity, share the benefits and keep Australians safe.

The Commonwealth will work with state and territory governments to develop consistent mandatory standards for data centre energy, water and land-use, and support skills and training opportunities.

These standards will ensure consistency and clarity for investors, while protecting Australia’s economy, strengthen our sovereignty and secure benefits in line with our national interests.

Commonwealth legislation will be designed to complement, not duplicate, state and territory planning and approval processes.

The Commonwealth intends to legislate the AI standards in early 2027, including conditions associated with delivering AI training.

First Ministers re-affirmed their commitment to ending gender-based violence and committed to accelerate efforts to keep women and girls safe.

First Ministers noted the significant work that has been done since National Cabinet met on ending gender-based violence in 2024, including the rollout of the $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership and over $700 million in matched funding for frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services.

In addition, the Commonwealth has also: 

Week after week, we are reminded of how important and urgent this task is - every woman, every girl and every child should have the right to feel safe and be safe, everywhere.

Recognising that rates of gendered violence including intimate partner homicide and sexual violence remain unacceptably high, First Ministers agreed to accelerate efforts to improve safety and prevent violence. 

Today, First Ministers have finalised important actions from the National Cabinet work program that will improve safety and accountability.

National consultation is underway on the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032; Safe and Supported; Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices and the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030. 

National Cabinet agreed the priorities for the Second Action Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children: 

While Second Action Plan is being finalised, National Cabinet agreed to a number of urgent actions.

National Cabinet agreed to a new National Family and Domestic Violence Risk Assessment Framework to improve safety for people experiencing violence. 

This will mean that wherever someone seeks help – whether through police, their GP or a hospital, and whether they are in NSW or WA – warning signs will be recognised and acted upon. 

Every point of contact is an opportunity to identify risk and intervene early, helping to prevent further violence and save lives. States and territories have two years to align with the framework. 

First Ministers also agreed for ministerial councils to lead further urgent action in priority areas including: 

First Ministers also agreed to establish further National Standards for the quality, consistency and accessibility of frontline domestic, family and sexual violence responses.

First Ministers agreed to report back to National Cabinet on progress by the end of the year.

First Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Australia’s gun laws following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025.

First Ministers signed an updated National Firearms Agreement to reduce the risk of firearm-related harm. Changes include: 

This agreement marks the first time since 2017 that the National Firearms Agreement has been updated or amended.

First Ministers agreed these reforms will improve public safety by strengthening the safe and responsible possession and use of firearms, as per Recommendation 13 of the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Governments will continue to accelerate the implementation of the National Firearms Register and work together to finalise implementation arrangements for criminal and security intelligence sharing.

The Commonwealth stands ready to support states and territories which choose to implement a National Gun Buyback Scheme to purchase surplus and newly restricted firearms, as per Recommendation 14 of the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Commonwealth welcomed progress implementation arrangements of the National Gun Buyback Scheme with New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

National Cabinet also received an update from Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, on the global spread of avian influenza (H5) and the national response from all governments.

The Commonwealth is increasing available funding by $125 million to bring the Commonwealth’s total H5 bird flu investment to more than $270 million.

The additional funding announced today will be available to support immediate national emergency biosecurity response activities for H5 bird flu, which are cost-shared equally by the Commonwealth, states and territories.

The Prime Minister provided an update on Australia’s fuel security. The nation's fuel reserves remain healthy - with more petrol, diesel and jet fuel on hand than when the conflict began.

First Ministers agreed Australia remains at Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan, in recognition of potential for ongoing volatility in global fuel markets.

National Cabinet requested that Energy Ministers continue to undertake prudent planning and provide an update to First Secretaries by the end of 2026. This will include a plan for further review of existing operational plans and policies that will help guide any emergency response.

First Ministers welcomed the Commonwealth's efforts to further strengthen the nation's fuel security - with work underway on lifting the minimum domestic holdings, diversifying Australia’s supply with low carbon liquid fuel, and delivering a government-owned fuel reserve that will ensure the regions and industry have the diesel they need to keep our country moving.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Anthony Albanese MPPrime Minister 

Chris Minns MPPremier of NSW

Ben Carroll MPPremier of Victoria

David Crisafulli MPPremier of Queensland

Roger Cook MLAPremier of Western Australia

Peter Malinauskas MPPremier of South Australia

Jeremy Rockliff MPPremier of Tasmania

Andrew Barr MLAChief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory

Lia Finocchiaro MLAChief Minister of the Northern Territory

PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.