Australian Senate

The Australian Senate has formally requested that the chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic appear before its inquiry into artificial intelligence. The move signals growing government scrutiny of leading AI companies and their technologies, with lawmakers seeking answers on safety, regulation and the societal impact of advanced AI systems as global debates over oversight intensify.

Australian senators have summoned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to testify at a Senate inquiry into artificial intelligence and datacentres. The Greens-led inquiry comes after cases in which OpenAI agents accessed Australian and US government websites, raising concerns about AI systems' reach and oversight. The summons signals growing scrutiny of major AI firms by governments worldwide.

Australian commentary is revisiting how fossil fuel interests have repeatedly moved the goalposts on renewable energy. A key example: during a 2013 Senate debate on renewable energy, Barnaby Joyce dismissed the idea that solar could reach even 5% of supply, calling it impossible. As renewables have since surpassed targets once dismissed as fantasy, critics argue denial tactics have evolved from outright rejection to new arguments about cost and reliability.

Leading artificial intelligence executives have been called to appear before an Australian Senate inquiry examining the technology's risks and regulation. The probe is expected to question industry bosses over safety, misinformation and cybersecurity concerns as governments worldwide move to tighten oversight of rapidly advancing AI systems. Outlets including The Australian and News.com.au are covering the summons, which signals growing political scrutiny of the sector.