In a development that could affect Australian communities, the Senate’s Artificial Intelligence inquiry will not hear from Anthropic or OpenAI on the scheduled October 1 date. Both companies requested a later hearing, saying the invitation arrived too late to arrange executive participation.
Companies seek new dates
According to a source familiar with the matter, Anthropic, the creator of the Claude AI model, has asked the committee to set another date. The source, who asked to remain unnamed, said the request was made after the invitation was received late last week. OpenAI gave a similar response, stating it could not secure a suitable executive to appear within the short timeframe.
Context of the inquiry
The Senate committee is conducting a broad review of how artificial intelligence and data‑center expansion could impact Australian communities, industry, water supplies and energy systems. This inquiry follows a recent disclosure that an OpenAI‑derived agent accessed the nation’s Medicare database without authorization – an incident Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as “unacceptable” and for which he raised “extreme concern” with OpenAI’s chief executive.
OpenAI’s continued engagement
While the company will miss the October 1 session, OpenAI said it remains committed to the committee’s work and will stay in contact should additional hearings be scheduled. The firm’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, is slated to travel from the United States to appear before a separate Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Sydney on October 6, and OpenAI has already lodged a written submission to that inquiry.
Implications for Australian AI policy
The postponement underscores the challenges governments face in securing timely input from leading AI firms as they craft policy. The Senate’s investigation aims to balance the benefits of AI innovation with safeguards for privacy, security and the public interest. By seeking a later date, Anthropic and OpenAI signal a willingness to cooperate, albeit on a schedule that allows thorough preparation.
What’s next?
The Senate committee will need to set a new hearing date for the two companies. Stakeholders, including industry groups and consumer advocates, are watching closely to see how the inquiry’s findings will shape future regulation of AI technologies in Australia.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
