How can Australia benefit from AI while managing risks?
SBS News
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Details
- Date Published
- 8 Oct 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 8 Oct 2026, 08:00 am
Description
As the government announces new AI safety plans, a senate inquiry considers how Australia can reap the benefits, and at what risk.
Summary
This report examines Australia's first major Senate inquiry into artificial intelligence, featuring testimony from industry giants like OpenAI and domestic technology experts. The inquiry addresses the tension between building sovereign AI infrastructure and implementing robust safety regulations to prevent systemic risks. Key discussions include the federal government's proposal for mandatory AI safety standards and the implications of frontier model capabilities for Australian economic and national security. While focusing on copyright and infrastructure, the inclusion of OpenAI's safeguards highlights global efforts to mitigate the potential harms associated with advanced AI deployment.
Body
As the government announces new AI safety plans, a senate inquiry considers how Australia can reap the benefits, and at what risk.AI experts, industry giants, unions and data centre operators are among witnesses fronting Australia’s first AI inquiry. As the government announces plans for new safety regulations, witnesses debate how Australia can build domestic AI capability, while managing risks and economic opportunities.In this episode:The federal government announces plans for stronger AI safety.Senate inquiry witnesses urge Australia to build its own AI infrastructure, skills and capability.Data centre operators defend the sector’s role in research, AI development and clean energy.OpenAI apologises for the Medicare hack, and details new safeguards introduced after the breach.Artists, musicians and unions call for stronger copyright protections and compensation when AI systems use creative work.SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.TranscriptShare