Anthropic to build $31.9bn data center in Queensland

Crisafulli highlighted Queensland's energy security and streamlined approval process as key factors in securing Anthropic's investment. He emphasized that the project would add energy generation to the grid, drive down power prices, protect water supplies, and respect local communities. Queensland, along with the Northern Territory, reportedly secured a carve-out from a national agreement that would have mandated renewable energy for new AI centers, allowing the use of the state's coal generators.

Meanwhile, the Australian government is considering a proposal that would grant AI companies default access to Australian creatives' works, a move criticized by independent senator David Pocock. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, has also reiterated calls for a slowdown in AI development due to growing concerns about the technology.