The Australian Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global AI innovator Anthropic
The first industry arrangement under the National AI Plan names the APS directly - agencies developing AI strategies should note Anthropic as a formally engaged partner.
Key points
- Australia's first National AI Plan collaborative arrangement is signed with Anthropic, covering safety, skills, and APS AI use.
- Anthropic commits to working with the AI Safety Institute on safety, technical exchanges, and emerging risks.
- The MOU explicitly includes exploring APS collaboration to support the APS AI Plan - a direct signal for agencies.
Summary
The Australian Government has signed a non-legally-binding MOU with Anthropic under the National AI Plan, marking the first such collaborative arrangement with a leading AI company. The agreement covers Anthropic expanding its Australian presence, supporting research and skills initiatives, collaborating with the AI Safety Institute on safety and emerging risks, and exploring APS-specific opportunities aligned with the APS AI Plan. Anthropic will also support work on AI's economic impacts, infrastructure needs, and Australia's role as a regional AI hub. The government has indicated openness to similar arrangements with other AI companies.
Implications for Australian agencies
- Monitor Agencies could monitor what APS-specific collaboration opportunities emerge from this MOU, particularly any joint programs, tools, or safety guidance developed with Anthropic.
- Consider AI governance and strategy teams may want to consider how this arrangement affects procurement and vendor engagement decisions involving Anthropic's Claude models within their agency.
- Consider Agencies engaging with the AI Safety Institute could consider how Anthropic's commitment to technical exchanges may inform or supplement existing agency risk assessment approaches.
Implications are AI-generated. Starting points, not advice.
"The Australian Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global AI innovator Anthropic" Source: DISR – Dept of Industry, Science & Resources Published: 8 April 2026 URL: https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australian-government-has-signed-memorandum-understanding-mou-global-ai-innovator-anthropic The Australian Government has signed a non-legally-binding MOU with Anthropic under the National AI Plan, marking the first such collaborative arrangement with a leading AI company. The agreement covers Anthropic expanding its Australian presence, supporting research and skills initiatives, collaborating with the AI Safety Institute on safety and emerging risks, and exploring APS-specific opportunities aligned with the APS AI Plan. Anthropic will also support work on AI's economic impacts, infrastructure needs, and Australia's role as a regional AI hub. The government has indicated openness to similar arrangements with other AI companies. Implications for Australian agencies: - [Monitor] Agencies could monitor what APS-specific collaboration opportunities emerge from this MOU, particularly any joint programs, tools, or safety guidance developed with Anthropic. - [Consider] AI governance and strategy teams may want to consider how this arrangement affects procurement and vendor engagement decisions involving Anthropic's Claude models within their agency. - [Consider] Agencies engaging with the AI Safety Institute could consider how Anthropic's commitment to technical exchanges may inform or supplement existing agency risk assessment approaches. Retrieved from SIMS, 18 May 2026.