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Albanese's 'two-step' AI tango

November 12, 2026 · 41 min

Show notes

The Prime Minister may be at COP, but the Albanese Government's focus has very intentionally been on domestic issues this week.

Anthony Albanese delayed his trip to chair ERC meetings and unveil a series of mandatory AI Safety rules, including an AI regulator.

But while the AI safety announcement was light on details, Politico's Ryan Heath tells PK and Mel he sees it as "step-one in a two-step dance" by the Albanese Government, with the next step a copyright deal.

And Mel's fallen into a "rabbit hole" about what the announcement means legally and she's got some big thoughts after her deep dive.

It comes as more Australian job losses announced this week and PK thinks we are seeing the "AI white collar wave" in full force. So, how wary is the Albanese Government about the anxiety and pessimism that creates?

Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Ryan Heath, Launch Editor at Politico Australia on The Party Room.

Got a burning question?

Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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