Anthropic signs MoU with federal government to collaborate on AI
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The news: AI lab Anthropic has signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to “work together to capture the full benefits of AI for Australians” in a way that is safe and spreads its benefits, according to the agreement.
Anthropic also announced it has made $3 million worth of Claude API credits available to the Australian National University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Curtin University.
The context: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei finalised the agreement in a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the MoU was signed on behalf of the federal government’s Industry Department by Industry and Innovation minister Tim Ayres.
Amodei also met with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton during his Australia visit and will take part in a fireside chat in Parliament House at a Futures Forum event hosted by Anthropic later this morning.
The MoU outlines five priority areas for collaboration:
- The social and economic importance of AI to Australia
- Tracking frontier AI progress and promoting safety
- Harnessing productivity and addressing economic impacts
- Promoting supply chain security
- Supporting a vibrant domestic economy
Under the agreement, Anthropic will track the adoption of AI across the economy, its economic impacts and its implications for workers for the Anthropic Economic Index. Data will be shared with the federal government.
This will initially focus on the natural resources, agriculture, healthcare and financial services sectors. Existing index data already indicates that Australia ranks 7th out of 116 countries for AI usage.
Anthropic said it plans to “develop ways to advance AI education and training within the workforce” and confirmed it is exploring investments in data centre infrastructure and energy in line with the federal government’s data centre expectations.
The company also plans to share its findings on “emerging model capabilities and risks” with Australia’s AI Safety Institute and plans to collaborate on research with academic institutions. This is similar to existing arrangements with safety institutes in the US, UK and Japan.
The MoU also flagged potential collaboration opportunities with the National AI Centre, the Future Skills Organisation and to help the Australian Public Service deliver the APS AI Plan.
The API credits awarded to Australian research institutions under the AI for Science program builds on Anthropic’s deep tech startup API credit program for VC-backed startups announced on Monday. Eligible startups can receive up to USD50,000 ($72,000) worth of credits.
The MoU with the Australian government lands as Anthropic sues the Pentagon for labelling it a ‘supply chain risk’ after it refused to let its Claude model be used for mass surveillance or for autonomous weapons without human oversight.
What they said: “Australia’s investment in AI safety makes it a natural partner for responsible AI development. This MOU gives our collaboration a formal foundation,” said Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said: “This MoU sends a clear signal to Australians that we are open for business, where investment aligns with Australia’s priorities and Australian values.
“The Australian Government and Anthropic are working together to harness AI responsibly — securing investment into Australia’s energy grid, driving economic resilience and safety for all Australians.”
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton said: “Australia needs technology partners who share our values and are committed to supporting our national interests, and this agreement is a positive step in that direction.”
The sources: Tim Ayres media release, Anthropic media release, Australian government-Anthropic MoU
