# Australia Develops AI Safety Standards

The Australian Government is developing national AI safety standards, expected by the end of 2026, that would require developers of higher-risk frontier AI models to demonstrate effective processes for identifying, testing, reporting, and managing risks. The proposed systems-based approach places accountability on developers to show their controls work rather than relying solely on prescriptive rules. For procurement professionals, this could make documented AI safety processes a relevant input when assessing suppliers or AI-enabled offerings in Australia; the standards are still being finalized.

- AI developers operating in Australia should prepare evidence of their risk identification, testing, reporting, and management processes ahead of the standards’ expected finalization by the end of 2026.
- Government buyers evaluating higher-risk AI offerings can use the proposed focus on demonstrable controls to inform supplier due diligence, while distinguishing the developing standards from requirements already in force.
- Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton and the Australian Government are associated with the standards effort.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Government

### Sources
- [Feds say AI firms will have to prove their safety systems work because regulation can't do it all | PS News](https://psnews.com.au/feds-say-ai-firms-will-have-to-prove-their-safety-systems-work-because-regulation-cant-do-it-all/186625) - PS News