On October 27, 2025, Australia’s Attorney General Michelle Rowland rejected a proposal from the Productivity Commission that sought to grant AI firms the ability to use copyrighted material for training without explicit permission. This proposal had sparked significant backlash from authors, artists, and media organizations, who argued it would allow companies to exploit original content without compensation. Rowland emphasized the importance of protecting Australian creatives, stating that technological advancement should not come at the expense of cultural creators. In response to the criticism, the government has established the Copyright and AI Reference Group to explore alternatives, including a new paid licensing framework. This decision is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing global discourse on AI and copyright, with implications for how tech companies operate in Australia and potentially influencing other democracies facing similar challenges.