Australian voters push for homegrown AI rules amid data-centre worries
A new Resolve poll shows most Australians favour domestic AI legislation and express growing anxiety over a booming data-centre sector.
Exclusive polling by Resolve indicates that while AI usage has risen sharply—especially among 18-34-year-olds—public opinion is split on its risks and benefits. Overall, 81% support some form of regulation, and 41% now favor Australian-led rules rather than global agreements. The data-centre construction boom, valued at about $155 billion, is provoking worries about electricity and water consumption, with modelling suggesting up to $38.8 billion extra costs for businesses if clean power is not provided.
Respondents cite power usage as the top concern, followed by water use and environmental impact. A bipartisan House-Senate select committee will deliver its findings on AI’s effects on the labour market and legal frameworks by the end of next month.
Why it matters
Public pressure could shape Australia’s AI policy and influence costly energy decisions tied to data-centre expansion.
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