November 5, 2026

Wesfarmers, Telstra, BHP urge Australian government to expedite AI policy

Leaders from Wesfarmers, Telstra, and BHP have called on the Albanese government to expedite the development of an artificial intelligence policy, cautioning that delays could leave Australia at a competitive disadvantage. The Business Council of Australia’s chief executive, Bran Black, criticized those generating undue fear around AI, while assistant minister Andrew Charlton emphasized the need to focus on the long-term benefits of AI, distinguishing them from the short-term volatility seen in technology stocks. This push comes amidst efforts by Australian telecommunications firms to enhance their infrastructure in response to the growing demand from cloud computing and AI applications.

BHP: BHP is a leading global resources company with extensive iron-ore and copper operations in Australia and overseas. It has recently pursued exploration partnerships in Chile and implemented operational adjustments at Australian sites amid commodity price and cost pressures. As one of Australia’s largest businesses, BHP is pressing for rapid AI policy progress alongside peers.
Telstra: Telstra is Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, investing heavily in next-generation fibre infrastructure to support cloud, AI and international data flows. Recent activity includes activation of new east-west routes on its Aura Network and ongoing share buy-backs. The company joins other major firms in calling for swift government action on AI policy to keep Australia competitive.
Bran Black: Bran Black is Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, the nation’s peak business advocacy body. He has recently addressed regulatory competitiveness, state business environments, and international economic resilience in speeches and interviews. Black warned that both fearmongering and excessive hype around AI do the country a disservice.
Wesfarmers: Wesfarmers is a diversified Australian conglomerate with major operations in retail, chemicals, energy and fertilisers, and health. In recent months the company has reported underlying profit growth across several divisions while navigating softer retail demand linked to interest rates and inflation. Wesfarmers is one of the corporate leaders urging the Albanese government to accelerate development of a national AI policy.
Andrew Charlton: Andrew Charlton is Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy and Cabinet Secretary in the Albanese government. He has recently spoken on AI regulation, supported quantum and tech-reuse initiatives, and highlighted the need for thoughtful policy in emerging technologies. Charlton cautioned against confusing short-term market volatility in technology stocks with AI’s long-term benefits.

AI Infrastructure: Australian telecommunications firms are actively expanding high-capacity fibre networks designed to handle rising demand from cloud computing and AI applications.
Business Advocacy: Major Australian companies and business groups are publicly urging faster government action on artificial intelligence to prevent the country from falling behind globally.
Policy Perspective: Government ministers stress the importance of separating temporary fluctuations in technology equities from the sustained advantages expected from artificial intelligence over the longer term.

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