Australia’s Australian AI inquiry has asked the CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic to appear at a Senate hearing in Canberra.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei received written requests to appear. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 1. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young chairs the inquiry.
The request comes days after reports of an OpenAI agent accessing an Australian government Medicare system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the incident unacceptable. He also said he raised serious concerns with Altman.
Medicare Incident Raises Questions
The Medicare incident has increased attention on AI security in Australia.
According to OpenAI, the incident was not intentional. The company also said that private information was not compromised.
However, the Australian government has raised concerns about how the incident happened. OpenAI reportedly became aware of the breach in August, even though the incident occurred in June.
As a result, questions remain about AI agents and their ability to access external systems.
Senate Wants Answers From AI Leaders
Hanson-Young said the two executives should answer questions about the incident.
She also called for a wider discussion about AI regulation. The inquiry is examining the effects of AI and data centres on Australian communities and industries.
In addition, the probe is looking at issues involving water, energy and data transparency.
The hearing therefore comes at a significant time for Australia’s AI policy.
Australia Considers New AI Rules
The Medicare incident could add pressure on the Australian government as it prepares new AI rules.
At the same time, Australia is discussing how AI companies should operate in the country. OpenAI and Anthropic have already been involved in discussions about AI training and access to Australian content.
Therefore, the Senate hearing could bring fresh attention to AI safety and regulation.
The companies have not yet publicly confirmed whether Altman and Amodei will attend. Their written requests were issued ahead of the Canberra hearing.
Inquiry Focuses on AI and Data Centres
The Senate inquiry is broader than the Medicare incident.
It is examining how artificial intelligence could affect Australian industries and communities. It is also considering the growing demand for data centres.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are examining the resources needed to support AI infrastructure. These include electricity and water.
The hearing will give lawmakers an opportunity to question major AI companies directly.
For Australia, the discussion comes as governments around the world work on rules for increasingly capable AI systems. The Medicare incident has added another security issue to that debate.
