Electrical workers welcome national data centre rules
- Data centre expectations ‘an important step in the national interest’
- Data centres to train Australian workers, fund new renewable generation and storage, use water responsibly
- Proposals meeting expectations first in line for regulatory assessment
Monday 23 March 2026 – Electrical workers have welcomed data centre expectations set by the Australian Government as an important step in the national interest.
The expectations will see data centres train the next generation of Australian electrical workers, add power to the grid, use water responsibly and contribute to Australian innovation.
They were released Monday morning by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayers, and Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton.
They set clear and firm expectations that data centre operators should:
- Prioritise Australia’s national interest
- Support energy transition with additional renewable energy generation and storage
- Use water sustainable and efficiently
- Invest in Australian skills with apprenticeships and training
- Contribute to national research, innovation and capability
Data centre proposals that are in line with the expectations will be fast-tracked for Commonwealth regulatory assessments.
The expectations will be implemented in the processes of state and territory governments through the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council.
Electrical Trades Union National Secretary Michael Wright welcomed the announcement.
“We need to get the data centre boom right,” Mr Wright said. “It is a singular opportunity to solve for some of our biggest problems.”
“These clear, sensible expectations tell data centre operators what ‘getting it right’ looks like.
“We welcome data centres that will train our kids for electrical careers wiring Australia into the new economy and building our way out of the housing crisis.
“We welcome data centres that contribute to our energy systems and add power to our grid, and we welcome those that respect and preserve our water and want to be part of Australian innovation.
“Today’s announcement puts data centres that meet these clear, sensible expectations first in line for Commonwealth approval.
“That’s good for workers, good for communities, and good for our national interest.”
ENDS
CONTACT: Lachlan Williams 0447 682 027 [email protected]
Contact details:
Lachlan Williams
0447 682 027 [email protected]
