Senate Environment and Communications References Committee - Sydney, NSW

22 September 2026

Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Australian Parliament

18:17 - 18:54
Speaker 1
Well I declare open this first hearing of the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiry into artificial intelligence and data centers.  I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians on the land on which we meet and pay my respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today. 

These are public proceedings being audio and video streamed via the Parliament's website and a Hansard transcript is being made.  There's obviously media in the room and assuming Senator Henderson you don't have a concern with that? 
18:54 - 18:56
Speaker 2
Okay. 
18:56 - 19:37
Speaker 1
We will allow that recording to continue in accordance with our broadcasting resolutions.  I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee they are protected by parliamentary privilege.  It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee and such action may be treated by the Senate as contempt.  It is also contempt to give false or misleading evidence. 

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