Senator David Pocock has raised concerns about the billions of dollars flowing into AI datacentre investments in Australia, questioning how the nation benefits. He warns against repeating past mistakes with the gas industry, where multinationals profited while paying minimal tax.
The Gas Lesson
Tens of thousands of Australians have called for a 25% tax on gas exports, frustrated by multinationals paying less in Petroleum Resource Rent Tax than citizens pay in beer excise. Pocock argues that gas wealth should fund public services, debt reduction, and environmental protection.
AI Datacentre Boom
Microsoft has announced $25 billion and Amazon Web Services $20 billion for Australian datacentres. While the government welcomes this investment, communities oppose construction due to environmental and social costs.
Pocock asks: "What is this all for, and how do the Australian people benefit from it?"
Environmental and Economic Impacts
By 2030, datacentres could consume as much electricity as all Victorian households, with water use tripling. The Climate Council warns of 20% higher wholesale electricity prices by 2035 without new renewable generation. Noise and air quality concerns arise from backup diesel and gas generators.
Yet the government relies on voluntary standards—a weak approach for such a disruptive industry.
Job Losses and Societal Risks
AI has already cost tens of thousands of Australian jobs, with projections of over 600,000 losses. Pocock criticises the notion that new AI jobs will quickly replace them, as AI and robotics may eliminate more roles than they create.
He also highlights existential risks posed by AI, calling for a national conversation before rushing into datacentre expansion.
Call for Fair Return
Pocock insists that if tech companies use Australian land, energy, water, and workers, Australians deserve a fair share of profits through taxation and community benefits. He urges learning from the gas industry's failures to avoid waiting another generation for change.
