David Pocock accuses Albanese government of ‘secrecy’ over AI carve-outA high-profile senator has accused the government of “secrecy” after speculation of a carve-out for AI in Australian copyright laws.Nathan Schmidt3 min readJune 24, 2026 - 2:07PMNewsWireIndependent senator David Pocock has accused the Albanese government of “secrecy” over a possible copyright carve-out for artificial intelligence, warning Australian content could be mined in exchange for “hundreds of billions of dollars” in investment. The Canberra senator told Sky News on Wednesday that cabinet was contemplating two options for AI in Australian copyright law.In one, artificial intelligence giants such as OpenAI and Claude-owner Anthropic would get a “text and data mining exemption” to train AI models, Senator Pocock said. “The other option is some sort of extension of copyright where there’s a licensing arrangement which I think, depending on how it’s done, artists and others could come around to it if it was on fair terms and you could actually negotiate your copyright as well,” he said.“The thing that I take exception to is there’s just so much secrecy with this government. “Why aren’t we having this conversation with the rights holders themselves? This is their copyright. They should have a place at the table.”Others you may likenewsnewsIndependent senator David Pocock has accused the Albanese government of ‘secrecy’ over a possible carve-out to copyright laws for artificial intelligence. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman.Senator Pocock said AI companies were putting forward a “really lazy argument” that it would not be possible to negotiate with copyright holders.However, he said “there’s actually a mechanism for bargaining … through labels, through peak bodies – it's not an individual basis”.The former rugby star said AI companies were seeking “some sort of exemption” to copyright laws that would allow them to “mine Australian artists, authors, journalists – basically all content – to build these models”, Senator Pocock said.“They’re (the AI companies) saying we want that in exchange for essentially hundreds of billions of dollars’ investment in data centres,” he said.However, the Albanese government was taking a “hands off approach” and was not providing safeguards for AI, Senator Pocock said.“They’re not actually delineating between Australian-owned sovereign capability data centres, which we desperately need and that we’re going to need more of in the future, and these big multinationals that want to put their data centres here,” he said. “We see multinationals very good at profit shifting, not paying tax here. They’re going to be using our power, our water, our land. Where’s the benefit?“I think we need the government to actually come clean with us and say, this is our plan for how we ensure we benefit.”In a statement, a spokesperson for Industry Minister Tim Ayres said Senator Pocock’s claims were “inaccurate”.“The government has ruled out a text and data mining exception. Our position has not changed,” they said.Asked by Senator Pocock whether the government stood by statements last year by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke that there was no plan for a text or data-mining carve-out, Minister Ayres said the ministers had “been very clear”.Industry Minister Tim Ayres defended the government’s position. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman.“Firstly, that there will not be an undermining of copyright protections for Australian artists or Australian copyright holders,” he said during question time.“It is also that it is in Australia’s interest, not just in economic terms, not just in terms of productivity and growth — and that is certainly the case — but in our strategic interest as a middle-power economy in the world for us to secure as much of the technology stack as possible.”Pressed on a potential carve-out, Senator Ayres said “there will be no undermining of copyright protections”.“I had a glance over your reckless speculation about these issues. It is absolutely our intention to do what we can to make sure that people who produce content in Australia, who are currently getting ripped off all around the world – we are looking at that question,” he said.“We are looking at the questions that go to our national interests, not just about economic opportunity and growth — they are important questions — but of having Australian sovereign capability in tech that makes a difference for future generations and for our national security.”More related storiesIncidentsDire snow conditions laid bare in clipsShocking clips have emerged as Australia’s snow season hits a grim milestone, and families are now counting the cost.Read moreOn the RoadCar giants backflip on new ‘fake’ techThe world’s biggest carmakers have performed a humiliating backflip on groundbreaking new tech they said they would never use but Aussies have demanded.Read moreEnvironment40 drown in Euro heatwave, Aussies warnedForty people have drowned as a sweltering heatwave sweeps through Europe, prompting a warning for Aussie travellers.Read more