THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

SENATOR THE HON JONNO DUNIAM
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND IMMIGRATION
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS IN THE SENATE
LIBERAL SENATOR FOR TASMANIA

AARON VIOLI MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CYBER SECURITY
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CASEY

JOINT STATEMENT
ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ARTIFCIAL INTELLIGENCE

Thursday 20 August 2026

The Coalition is pleased that the government has backed the Opposition’s initiative to establish a Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial intelligence poses moral, strategic and economic challenges to Australia and our people.

It is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Parliament to develop a national response and prepare our nation for the challenges that lie ahead.

A committee of this nature will explore the impact of AI on our national security, productivity, competitiveness and living standards. It will examine the adequacy of existing laws, the importance of data sovereignty and the impact on our communities.

Addressing these matters is essential.

With the right direction and policy settings, Australia can thrive in the new world of AI – and this committee is an important step towards doing so.

[ENDS]