Australia’s AI plan is ready. Where is the regional strategy?

The federal government’s National AI Plan is a solid exercise in domestic housekeeping. Released this month, it avoids the twin traps of breathless AI hype and paralysing caution. No grand claims about superintelligence, and no billion-dollar moonshots. Instead, it focuses on the basics: safer use of AI across the economy and public sector, a pipeline of skills, and a framework for attracting investment. 

But as we get our own house in order, a harder question looms: what do we offer our neighbours beyond land for data centres? 

Australia should use this plan as a springboard to build a shared digital infrastructure that the Pacific can adapt, govern, and build on.