Coalition, Labor Unite on AI Concerns While Gaza Criticism Grows
The government confronted mounting bipartisan pressure Thursday to strengthen regulation of artificial intelligence companies, as Coalition Senator Matt Canavan joined Labor officials in expressing concerns about big tech firms exploiting copyrighted content without compensation.
The unusual cross-party agreement emerged during a heated political panel discussion on ABC's afternoon briefing, where both government and opposition figures criticized tech companies for "stealing people's ideas" while calling for stronger worker protections against AI-driven job losses.
"I think these big tech companies are ripping people off. They steal people's ideas, creativity, and then steal their jobs after that," Canavan said during the televised debate with Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Julian Hill.
The Queensland National Party senator's comments align with growing industry concerns about AI companies using copyrighted material to train their systems without paying creators, an issue that has sparked international debates about intellectual property rights in the digital age.
Government Weighs AI Legislation
Hill confirmed the government is working through a "proper deliberative cabinet policy process" on AI regulation, following calls from former Industry Minister Ed Husic for a dedicated AI Act.
"There's enormous opportunity for this technology to give a revolution in many sectors to productivity," Hill said. "The government's approach is to find a regulatory approach that maximises the opportunities whilst also putting in place guardrails both on the technological front be it data protection be it workplace changes."
However, Hill stopped short of endorsing Husic's specific proposal for standalone legislation, saying the focus should be "on what's the content and the nature of the regulation and the protections that are in place" rather than the legislative format.
The debate reflects broader tensions within government ranks about how aggressively to regulate AI development, with productivity concerns competing against worker protection demands from trade unions.
Tech Industry Criticism Intensifies
Canavan delivered some of the strongest criticism yet heard from Coalition ranks against major technology companies, arguing they exploit content creators while threatening employment.
"They are using the written words, the work, the creativity that everybody does. And they're pretty much doing it for free," he said. "I think there does need to be a global effort here."
The senator referenced proposals from US Republican Josh Hawley about requiring tech companies to pay society for content usage, suggesting Australia should consider similar measures.
"We've seen big tech companies in the US lay off tens of thousands of people in the last few months, notionally because of AI," Canavan said. "I'm very concerned what that might mean for our society, our country."
His position contrasts sharply with the Productivity Commission's recommendation for a "light touch" regulatory approach to AI development, which Canavan explicitly rejected.
Labor Defends Balanced Approach
Hill defended the government's measured approach while acknowledging legitimate concerns about tech company practices.
"Like with any big productivity transition whether it was electrification or industrialisation or the digital revolution of course where you apply technology for benefit there will be changes," he said.
The minister emphasized that a Labor government would ensure "unions and workers need to be consulted and engaged in those transitions and changes."
Hill agreed with Canavan's copyright concerns, saying Australia must protect "the rights of writers and artists and creatives" while grappling with "big tech profiteering and cannibalising other sectors."
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Tax Reform Debate Continues
The AI discussion occurred amid ongoing tensions over the government's productivity roundtables, which have generated speculation about potential tax increases.
Canavan accused the government of planning tax rises, citing the abandoned stage three tax cuts as evidence of policy reversals.
"I don't take any commitment that Anthony Albanese says today is gospel," Canavan said. "He said he was going to permit the stage three tax cuts in full in the last term, and then weeks after saying that, ditched those and did something completely different."
Hill defended the government's approach, emphasizing that current policy focuses on delivering election commitments including income tax cuts beginning July 2026.
"The tax policies that we're implementing right now are the ones we took to the election," Hill said. "But all ideas are welcome. We're just not going to play the rule in, rule out game."
Bipartisan Gaza Concerns
Both politicians expressed rare unity in criticizing Israel's conduct in Gaza, with Canavan saying he had raised concerns directly with the Israeli ambassador about "absolute devastation" and civilian casualties.
"The level of devastation we've seen, I am very, very concerned about," said Canavan, who described himself as "a friend of Israel" while worrying the country was "losing a lot of support around the world with this conflict."
Hill emphasized the need to address illegal settlements in the West Bank, arguing they prevent Palestinian statehood.
"Unless the illegal settlements stop, there is no opportunity for a Palestinian state," Hill said. "The rate of Palestinian dispossession in the West Bank has accelerated in the shadow of Gaza."
The comments followed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation Thursday of his recent phone conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, described as "very constructive" and focused on "catastrophic human rights situation in Gaza."
International Implications
Canavan endorsed Liberal MP Andrew Hastie's criticism that Israel lacks a clear exit strategy, calling post-war planning "more important than the entry plan."
"It's a bit unclear to us. And I think there's a lot of disagreement within the Israeli government that I hear and defence forces about whether a permanent occupation is the right idea," he said.
Hill traced current violence to deeper historical issues, arguing the conflict "didn't start on October 7th" despite Hamas's attacks triggering the latest escalation.
"We've seen nearly 80 years of these cycles of violence and this one will end," he said, calling for international focus on creating "the architecture, the pathway to create that second Palestinian state."
Economic Policy Tensions
The productivity roundtable discussions have generated criticism from both sides of politics about the government's economic agenda.
Canavan argued that AI focus distracts from more pressing productivity challenges including energy costs, housing expenses, and regulatory burdens on business.
"It's not hard to work out why our productivity performance is so poor, and it's not because of a lack of AI," he said. "It's our energy prices have gone through the roof. The cost of building a home is going through a roof."
Hill defended the government's broader approach to productivity, rejecting "narrow" conservative views that focus solely on cutting wages and conditions.
"You do need to invest in infrastructure. You need to invest in individuals through skills and human capital, but also in institutions," he said.
Sports News
The political discussion followed news that Carlton Blues coach Michael Voss received unanimous board backing for the 2026 season despite the team missing finals for the first time since 2022 in what was described as a "horror 2025 season."
The AFL announcement provided lighter relief before the serious policy debates that dominated the afternoon briefing.
The bipartisan criticism of tech companies suggests potential parliamentary support for stronger AI regulation, despite disagreements over specific approaches.
Hill indicated cabinet deliberations continue on the regulatory framework, with the government balancing productivity benefits against worker protection concerns.
The Gaza discussions reflected growing parliamentary concern about Israel's military approach, potentially influencing Australia's diplomatic position as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire and political solution.
Both issues highlight the government's challenge in managing complex policy areas where traditional political divisions don't necessarily apply, creating opportunities for cross-party cooperation while exposing internal tensions within government ranks.
The productivity roundtable process continues with various economic policy proposals under consideration, though the government maintains its commitment to previously announced tax measures rather than major structural changes.
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