Story perspectives

Parliamentary AI committee begins hearings on data centers

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Australian Labor Party and the Coalition back a joint AI strategy and a parliamentary AI select committee.
Only 30% of Australians said AI benefits outweigh risks last year, with trust slipping further in 2026.
The committee began hearings this week to examine data-centre decisions and AI’s economic, environmental and social impacts.
Workers report AI surveillance via Microsoft Teams, prompting advocates to seek Fair Work Act amendments for “fair and reasonable” monitoring.

History

Historical Context

After the European Commission formally proposed the AI Act on 21 April 2021, the Parliament passed it on 13 March 2024 with a 523-to-46 vote, creating the first comprehensive AI regulation. Building on the EU’s 2020 White Paper and earlier ethics guidelines, Australia’s Labor and Coalition parties have adopted a similar strategy, echoing the EU model.

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Story summary

Australian Labor Party and the Coalition back a joint AI strategy and a parliamentary AI select committee.
Only 30% of Australians said AI benefits outweigh risks last year, with trust slipping further in 2026.
The committee began hearings this week to examine data-centre decisions and AI’s economic, environmental and social impacts.
Workers report AI surveillance via Microsoft Teams, prompting advocates to seek Fair Work Act amendments for “fair and reasonable” monitoring.

1 / 2