Tasmania needs clear rules for responsible AI infrastructure

Tasmania’s tech sector has urged a clear benefit approach to AI data centre development, saying new investment must be matched by agreed expectations on energy, water, planning transparency and community benefit.

TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said AI infrastructure has the potential to usher in economic benefits for Tasmania, but must demonstrate how it also respects the community’s right to be consulted and preserves our natural environment.

“AI currently has a trust issue – and gaining trust means being transparent at every step, including how the infrastructure itself is first constructed.”

TasICT supports the State Government’s commitment announced 21 June 2026 to develop a draft Tasmanian Statement of Expectations for Data Centres and AI infrastructure for consultation.

It will build on the Australian Government’s ‘Expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers’ released in March 2026 which already calls on developers to secure new and additional clean energy generation or storage to offset demand.

“Clear expectations from the State Government will help proponents, councils and communities understand what responsible AI infrastructure should look like in Tasmania – and how we can benefit.”