Albanese government opposes suburban data centres following US backlash
The government will not build data centres in suburbs and is creating standards for community support.
Data centre backlash in the US was a key factor in Democrat success. The Albanese government is watching closely.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed the government will not build data centres in suburbs. The government is creating standards to build community support for the projects.
The government already requires data centres to pay for their own power and water. US data centre investment may now slow after recent political shifts.
This gives Australia a bigger chance to attract that investment. Australia's challenge is meeting AI infrastructure demand.
It must do this while keeping disruption away from suburbs.
- Deputy PM Richard Marles
- Government leader on data centres
- Suburbs
- Locations excluded
- Data centre standards and social licence
- Policy focus
Why it mattersData centre policy will determine whether billions in tech investment flows to Australia or stays in the US. It will also determine whether communities face disruption.
AustraliaThe government has ruled out approving data centres in suburban areas, meaning new investments will target regional or non-residential locations instead.
