'Rapidly losing the public': expert backs AI reforms

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing pushback from Queensland and the Northern Territory over proposed regulations for AI data centres. The national cabinet meeting in Sydney on Wednesday aims to establish a national agreement on data centre regulation, including a mandate for renewable energy use. However, the plan has been criticized by state leaders who argue for the use of coal and gas reserves to power these facilities.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro expressed concern that the federal government was overstepping its bounds by imposing rules on states and territories. She stated that the Beetaloo Basin gas reserve in the territory is sufficient to power data centres and that a different approach is needed for the region. Queensland's Industry Minister Tim Ayres emphasized the importance of the AI regulation in maintaining a competitive electricity system for Australia.

AI expert Toby Walsh criticized data centre developers for losing public support. He noted that many states have implemented moratoriums on building new data centres, following the example of the United States. While Labor's proposed guardrails on AI data centres are welcomed, Walsh expressed disappointment that the government missed an opportunity to properly regulate these projects and prepare the workforce for the jobs they would create.