AI data centres — exploring the boom and the backlash

AI data centre developments are raising concerns in affected communities across Australia. The industry and its critics come together to cover the pros, the cons, and the concerns, at an event in the heart of a city where data centres have become a political hot potato in the lead up to the Victorian state election.

This event hosted by RMIT University for Social Sciences Week was recorded on 17 September 2026.

Speakers:

Lisa GivenDirector & Co-Founder, Centre for Human-AI Information Environments, Distinguished Professor of Information Sciences in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

Priya RajagopalanDirector of the Post Carbon Research Centre for Infrastructure and the Built Environment and Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) in the school of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University

Belinda DennettCEO of Data Centres Australia

Michael HelmerChief Risk Officer at NEXTDC

Dr Sarah MansfieldGP, Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, MLC for Western Victoria

Margaret Paul (host) Suburbs reporter, ABC News Victoria