Shoebridge calls AI committee a ‘farce’ after PM’s office vetted its letter
Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge called the parliamentary artificial intelligence committee a “farce.” Independent senator David Pocock said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office had heavily vetted the committee’s letter and recommendations before they reached the prime minister.
Image: theguardian.com · Author: Krishani Dhanji,Penry Buckley,Sarah Basford Canales,Graham Readfearn,Josh Butler,Patrick Commins,Lisa Cox,Tom McIlroy,Ben Doherty · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge called the parliamentary artificial intelligence committee a “farce” after reports that a prime ministerial staffer intervened in its letter.
Shoebridge said the staffer in Anthony Albanese’s office appeared to approve wording and suggest edits before the document was given to the prime minister. Independent senator David Pocock, a committee member, said Albanese’s office had heavily vetted the letter and its recommendations.
Shoebridge also criticised how the committee’s final seat was filled. He said former Greens leader Larissa Waters had tried to nominate him, but the government rejected the proposal and the party declined to put forward another candidate.
The Senate then voted on the position, with senators choosing between Shoebridge and Pocock. Pocock was selected for the committee.
Shoebridge said committees conducting “pretend inquiries” served no one and described the prime minister’s office editing the letter as improper intervention. The source does not include a response from Albanese’s office to the allegations.
What we know
- David Shoebridge called Australia’s parliamentary artificial intelligence committee a “farce.”
- Senator David Pocock said Anthony Albanese’s office heavily vetted the committee’s letter and recommendations.
- Shoebridge said a prime ministerial staffer approved wording and suggested edits to the document.
- The Senate chose between Shoebridge and Pocock for the committee’s final seat, which went to Pocock.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: The Guardian World.
COMMUNITY
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Loading comments…