Liberal Member of Parliament Andrew Hastie has called for significant enhancement of Australia’s investment in artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for the nation to maintain its strategic autonomy. He cautioned that without a robust AI strategy, Australia risks becoming overly dependent on the United States, particularly in an environment of potential conflict with China.
During a keynote speech addressing Liberal party members in Sydney on Monday, Hastie, who serves as the shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, compared the race for AI advancement to the nuclear arms race prevalent during the Cold War. He urged that Australia should aim to establish itself as a technological center in the southern hemisphere.
In his delivery of the annual Tom Hughes Oration, Hastie proposed the establishment of a dedicated AI ambassador and called for an overhaul of the education system to effectively harness Australian talent and creativity in the AI sphere. He noted that historical figures such as Robert Menzies and John Gorton faced critical decisions regarding nuclear capabilities, ultimately aligning Australia’s security framework with that of the U.S.
Hastie reflected on how, in the previous century, Australia missed the chance to establish itself as a nuclear power. He claimed that this choice has led to a reliance on the United States for nuclear protection, which has constrained Australia’s sovereignty and strategic independence.
He warned that in the current century, Australia risks missing the opportunity to become an influential AI player, further weakening its autonomy as major AI leaders reshape global dynamics. He highlighted that insufficient investment would diminish Australia’s control over its future outcomes.
In discussing the escalating competition in AI among the U.S. and leading companies like Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, Hastie criticized the influence of Silicon Valley executives within the Trump administration and their resistance to new regulations. He pointed out that Australia finds itself between the United States, its closest security ally, and China, its largest trading partner, as both superpowers vie for AI supremacy, which includes the crucial production of semiconductor chips in Taiwan.
Hastie emphasized that Australia is likely to become embroiled in any conflict concerning Taiwan, stating, “Regardless of our preferences, our involvement is inevitable,” and he asserted that a potential war between the U.S. and China centered on AI and technological dominance would be far more consequential than any conflict in the Middle East.
This appeal comes at a time when the federal government is deliberating the best strategies for managing AI. Ed Husic, the former industry minister, had previously advocated for comprehensive regulations, suggesting a new AI-related legislative framework, although he was replaced in cabinet in 2025. His successor, Tim Ayres, favors a more relaxed approach.
Hastie also highlighted the profound economic repercussions of AI for Australia, asserting that automation could lead to significant job displacement in both blue and white-collar sectors, thereby deepening existing divisions in the labor market. He warned of potential social unrest stemming from widespread job loss, suggesting that stripping away the value of creative and productive work could result in societal upheaval.
Considered a rising star within the Liberal party, Hastie's policy insights are closely monitored. Although he chose not to contest against Sussan Ley earlier this year—prior to Ley’s removal by Angus Taylor—polls indicate that the opposition party continues to struggle under Taylor’s leadership.
Recent polling data from Resolve, published in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, shows the Coalition’s primary vote plummeting to a historic low of 20%, trailing behind Labor and One Nation, which recorded 28% and 29%, respectively. These figures raise concerns about a potential electoral defeat for the Liberals and Nationals.
In his address, hosted by fellow party member Julian Leeser, Hastie lamented a regression in educational standards over the past quarter-century, arguing that inadequate preparation of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, could exacerbate economic and social disparities in Australia and hinder the country's global competitiveness.
