What's the point of data centres? | What's the Point? with Richard Denniss

Mon 21 Sep 2026 13.57 AEST

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss examines Australia’s artificial intelligence boom and the political fight over who reaps the rewards.

This episode was recorded on Friday 4 September.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Producer: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

OPINION

30 years ago, AI became available in a kid’s video game – have we learned anything since then?

By Bill Browne

Of course, the neural networks that ran on home computers and PlayStations thirty years ago were much smaller and therefore more limited than the Artificial Intelligence models we have today (about a hundred-million times smaller, in fact). But in a few key details, the Norns were more seemingly “alive” than today’s chatbots are.

Artificial Intelligence

OPINION

The cost of using AI is about to skyrocket, but do we have the appetite to pay?

By Thanh Hang Bui

We have been gorging ourselves at an all-you-can-eat buffet, but the menu is about to change. AI tools that have been discounted will soon start charging based on your usage, raising serious questions about our appetite to pay.

Economy Artificial Intelligence

WHAT'S NEW

'Imagine siding with the tech bros': David Pocock calls for 5% levy on AI data centres

By Tegan George

Independent senator David Pocock has proposed a five per cent levy on data centres that he says would raise $500 million by the end of 2030.

Economy Artificial Intelligence

WHAT'S NEW

'Not an unintended consequence': Mass unemployment is the AI business model

By Tegan George

Prominent economist Dr Richard Denniss has warned a parliamentary inquiry that Australia is unprepared for the mass unemployment that AI companies are banking on to drive their profits.

Society & Inequality Artificial Intelligence