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Pocock Proposes 5% AI Data-Centre Levy From 2027

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 1:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

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Senator David Pocock proposes a 5% levy on AI data-centre revenues starting 1 January 2027.
He says the levy would raise about $500 million by the end of 2030.
The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates tax could generate $400 million in three years, up to $1 billion later.
He noted Microsoft earned $2.3 billion locally yet paid no company tax.
Pocock accused the Labor government of favouring AI firms and called for a minority government of independents.

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Story summary

Senator David Pocock proposes a 5% levy on AI data-centre revenues starting 1 January 2027.
He says the levy would raise about $500 million by the end of 2030.
The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates tax could generate $400 million in three years, up to $1 billion later.
He noted Microsoft earned $2.3 billion locally yet paid no company tax.
Pocock accused the Labor government of favouring AI firms and called for a minority government of independents.