Key facts
- Microsoft Copilot suggested replying "congratulations!" to a constituent detailing plans for assisted dying.
- Andrew Hastie used the incident to highlight shortcomings of US-run AI software at a parliamentary inquiry.
- Abigail Bradshaw of the Australian Signals Directorate warned of catastrophic capability loss if cut off from US AI processing.
- Chris Crozier stated the government is contracting Google to build datacentres in Australia disconnected from the US.
- AI developers are seeking copyright law reform to train models in Australia, citing the difficulty of licensing global content.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants draft laws on broader AI standards by the end of 2026.
Australian MP Andrew Hastie revealed that Microsoft Copilot suggested responding with "congratulations!", "great to hear from you", or "that is wonderful news!" to a man who wrote to him detailing his plans for voluntary assisted dying. Hastie shared the episode at a parliamentary inquiry on Friday to underscore the shortcomings of US-run AI software and advocate for Australian-developed AI.
Officials from the defence establishment and intelligence agencies stressed the critical need for advanced AI capabilities to counter sophisticated cyber threats. Abigail Bradshaw, director general of the Australian Signals Directorate, warned that the agency is "entirely reliant" on US-housed processing and would "dramatically" lose capability if cut off during a conflict. She emphasized that if adversaries have access to newer AI models, they could exploit vulnerabilities before Australia can identify them.
To mitigate these risks, the government is pursuing a strategy of bringing AI development and processing onshore. Chris Crozier, the defence department's chief AI officer, stated that the government is contracting Google to build a series of interlinked datacentres across Australia, disconnected from the US, to ensure continuous access. The Office of AI, established within the prime minister's department, aims to bring AI firms under Australian law to facilitate local law enforcement and ensure more assured, earlier, and detailed technical access to advanced AI models.
However, the push to establish AI capabilities in Australia faces hurdles, particularly concerning copyright law. AI developers have indicated they will not train models in Australia without reforms to copyright laws, citing the practical impossibility of striking deals with rights holders for the vast amounts of information required. Jenna Priestly, from the attorney general's department, confirmed that the scope and timing of any copyright reform are yet to be decided. The Greens senator David Shoebridge is among those opposing calls for copyright reform and demanding a pause on AI development.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's department aims to have draft laws on broader AI standards by the end of 2026. Bradshaw cautioned that delays in decisions around AI model training could lead providers to locate elsewhere, potentially diminishing Australia's influence and access to cutting-edge AI tools.