Australia's federal government has announced the launch of the country's first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre. The centre will be dedicated to coordinating national AI activities, expertise, and capabilities, with the overall goal of supporting the use of AI in improving productivity and competitiveness. Another goal of the centre will be to reduce barriers faced by small and medium-sized businesses in adopting and developing AI. The centre is part of Australia's broader AI Action Plan, which include other initiatives such as an AI graduates programme to attract and train AI specialists, funding for AI pilot partnerships with the industry, and grants for developing AI solutions to address local or regional problems.