David Pocock Accuses Government of Political Interference in AI Inquiry After PM's Office Edits Letter

Senior Adviser Pre-Approved Committee Letter on AI Policy

Independent senator David Pocock has raised serious concerns about political interference in Australia's AI inquiry after discovering that Anthony Albanese's office vetted and edited a bipartisan parliamentary committee letter before it reached the prime minister1

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. Documents reviewed by Guardian Australia reveal that a senior adviser from the prime minister's office made multiple edits to the letter, with notes showing approval marks including the word "fine" on certain content1

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. Some edits were made as late as 8:55pm on Monday night, just 35 minutes before committee chair and Labor MP Jo Briskey and Liberal senator Jonno Duniam sent the letter to Albanese on behalf of Labor, Coalition and crossbench MPs1

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The bipartisan parliamentary committee letter addressed concerns about copyright protections, AI safeguards, sovereign capability and AI literacy1

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. David Pocock was asked to provide edits but submitted his feedback at 9:55pm, unaware the letter had already been dispatched1

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David Pocock Condemns Process as Political Stitch-Up

Pocock labeled the AI inquiry a major party political stitch-up, expressing deep concerns about the committee's integrity2

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. "I'm concerned that markups on the documents show the recommendations were pre-vetted by an adviser in the prime minister's office and there was no time for changes to be considered by the chair," he stated1

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. The independent senator emphasized his respect for the committee process and the need for multipartisan work across parliament, but questioned whether the AI inquiry was serving a genuine policy purpose or merely political interests1

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"After this, I am increasingly concerned that the work of this committee is being used to serve a political purpose rather than provide genuine parliamentary scrutiny and policy input," Pocock said1

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. He argued that regaining community trust on AI policy requires robust debate and committee work, not backroom deals1

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Key AI Policy Issues Overlooked by Committee Letter

David Pocock criticized the letter for failing to capture critical evidence presented to the committee. The independent senator highlighted that the letter overlooks key concerns from the creative sector about global dangers from changes to copyright protections in Australia1

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. He also noted the absence of consideration for a data centre levy to capture long-term benefits from operators1

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The letter also failed to address investment needs for worker retraining and upskilling for those whose jobs face displacement by AI1

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. Additionally, Pocock emphasized the urgent need to immediately commence mandatory screening of genetic synthesis imports at all Australian borders, which was absent from the committee's communication1

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Committee Leadership Defends Consultation Process

Jo Briskey rejected criticism that the AI inquiry work was "pre-determined" by the government, confirming that the committee consulted both Anthony Albanese and the opposition leader's office before sending the letter1

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. "It's been a process by which we're seeking advice and making sure that this is working across the board. There was engagement right across the panel. Senator Duniam also worked with his side, the opposition," Briskey explained1

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. She stated the letter was intended to show the committee's direction ahead of its report due November 301

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Jonno Duniam strongly defended the process, stating there was "no guidance, no interference" on the committee's work1

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. "I tell you who would be the first person out of the blocks to criticise the government if the prime minister wasn't showing interest in the committee's work. It would be me," Duniam said1

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. He characterized the situation as an example of parliament working well, with extensive discussion and consultation1

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. The prime minister's office declined to comment on the matter1

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