Key takeaways
- A growing number of Australian AI consultancies publish their prices. Entry offers cluster around 1,000 to 8,500 AUD plus GST.
- Eligible SMEs should check the free AI Adopt Centres before paying anyone.
- The bigger local differentiator is knowledge of Australian obligations, not postcode.
- From 10 December 2026, privacy policies must describe certain automated decisions. Your adviser should know what that means for you.
Australian businesses looking for AI help face the same problem as everyone else: lots of firms, few published prices, and rankings written by the firms being ranked. This page lists Australian options that publish what they charge, the free government route, and the things specific to Australia that a good adviser should raise with you unprompted.
About this list. We are an AI implementation firm and appear below. We have no relationship with the other firms named. Prices are taken from each firm's website in October 2026 and are in AUD unless stated. Firms that want a correction can reach us through the contact form. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Start with the free option
AI Adopt Centres
A network of centres offering free specialist services to eligible SMEs: training courses, one-to-one consultations, adoption roadmaps, technology demonstrations and AI safety guidance. Centres include SMEC AI, the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre with a manufacturing and robotics focus, and the Australian Regional AI Network for regional businesses. Eligibility centres on SMEs trading interstate or internationally in National Reconstruction Fund priority sectors. Details are on business.gov.au.
Suits: eligible businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, medical science, renewables and regional industries that want advice and a roadmap. Less suited to: businesses that want the rollout done for them.
Australian consultancies with published prices
Free Me Up (Melbourne)
Focused on businesses and not-for-profits with 5 to 50 staff. A 90-Day AI Pilot from 5,500 AUD plus GST for up to 20 staff, or from 8,500 plus GST for 20 to 50. Hourly advisory at 200 AUD plus GST, fixed-scope projects from 5,500 to 25,000, and retainers from 1,500 a month. Also offers Copilot rollouts, quoted per tenant.
Suits: small teams that want a structured pilot with hands-on support over a quarter.
Complete AI (Sydney)
An AI Opportunity Assessment at 990 AUD plus GST, a 30-day AI Kickstart at 5,000 plus GST including training and 30 days of post-launch support, and on-site team training for up to 15 people at 4,900 plus GST.
Suits: Sydney SMBs that want a low-cost assessment first and on-site training.
Sandlabs (Melbourne)
A discovery and roadmap at 1,999 AUD, credited to a build if you proceed within 30 days. Fixed-price agent and product builds from 5,000 AUD in two to six weeks. A done-for-you Claude setup at 1,499 plus GST. Works with lawyers, accountants, mortgage brokers and real estate firms.
Suits: businesses that want a custom agent or a Claude-specific setup.
Works
An Australian consultancy selling a two-week audit at 5,000 AUD for up to 50 people and 10,000 above that, a 90-day embedded sprint at 40,000 to 50,000, custom multi-agent builds at 50,000 to 100,000, and ongoing support at 4,000 a month.
Suits: mid-sized businesses ready to invest in several production workflows with an embedded operator.
Get Working With AI
That is us. We price in USD: a 500 USD Clarity Package for the business case and implementation plan, and a 5,000 USD Implementation Package that chooses and configures the provider, sets hard spending limits, configures the admin portal and optional SSO, and trains staff, live in 30 days or less.
Suits: businesses that want ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot or Gemini rolled out properly to staff for a fixed price. Less suited to: custom agent builds, where the firms above that specialise in them are a better fit.
Price comparison
| Option | Entry offer | Main engagement | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Adopt Centres | Free | Free roadmap and training | Eligible SMEs, priority sectors |
| Free Me Up | About 500 AUD readiness check | From 5,500 AUD + GST, 90 days | 5 to 50 staff |
| Complete AI | 990 AUD + GST | 5,000 AUD + GST, 30 days | Sydney SMBs |
| Sandlabs | 1,499 AUD + GST Claude setup | From 5,000 AUD builds | Custom agents |
| Works | 5,000 AUD audit | 40,000 to 50,000 AUD, 90 days | Multi-workflow programmes |
| Get Working With AI | 500 USD | 5,000 USD, 30 days | Assistant rollout with spend caps |
What an Australian adviser should raise with you
The December 2026 automated decision rules
From 10 December 2026, APP entities must explain in their privacy policy when a computer program makes, or substantially and directly informs, decisions that could significantly affect individuals using their personal information. The OAIC reads this broadly. If you use AI to screen applicants, assess claims, set prices for individuals or prioritise customers, you need to know whether it applies. See the Privacy Act automated decision guide.
Your professional body's rules
Law societies, CPA Australia and CA ANZ, AHPRA, and financial services regulators have all issued guidance or expectations on AI use. An adviser working with your sector should know the current position.
Where your data is processed
Some clients, particularly government and health, will ask where AI processing happens. Data residency options vary by provider and tier, so check before you commit if this matters to your clients.
GST and currency
Compare like with like. Most local firms quote ex-GST. Providers and some consultancies price in USD, which moves with the exchange rate.
For the wider, non-Australian ranking, read the best AI implementation companies for small business.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an AI consultant cost in Australia?
Published prices from Australian consultancies in 2026 run from under 1,000 AUD for an opportunity assessment, through 5,000 to 8,500 AUD plus GST for a fixed pilot or kickstart, to 40,000 AUD and above for embedded multi-month programmes. Hourly rates are commonly 150 to 350 AUD, with senior consultants in major cities higher.
Is there free AI help for Australian small businesses?
Yes. The federally supported AI Adopt Centres offer free training, consultations, roadmaps and demonstrations to eligible SMEs, aimed at businesses trading interstate or internationally in National Reconstruction Fund priority sectors. Check eligibility with each centre.
Does it matter if an AI consultant is based in Australia?
Less than it used to, since most work is remote. What matters is whether they understand Australian obligations: the Privacy Act and its December 2026 automated decision changes, professional body rules in your industry, and data location questions your clients may ask.
Do Australian AI consulting prices include GST?
Usually not. Most Australian consultancies quote ex-GST and add 10 percent for Australian clients with an ABN. Get prices on the same basis before comparing.
Get a straight answer for your business
The Clarity Package gives you a written business case and a detailed implementation plan for 500 USD. The Implementation Package does the whole build, live in 30 days, for a fixed 5,000 USD.