Senate debates Committees
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Membership
Sue Lines President
11:14 am
Yesterday, I informed the Senate that I had received nominations from Senator David Pocock and Senator Shoebridge seeking appointment to a single crossbench position on the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. In accordance with standing orders, a ballot will be held to determine which of the two senators is to be appointed to the committee. Before proceeding to a ballot, the bells will be rung for four minutes.
The bells having been rung—
The Senate will now proceed to a ballot. Ballot papers will be distributed to all senators, who are requested to write the name of the candidate they wish to vote for. The candidates are Senator David Pocock and Senator Shoebridge. Senator Sheldon?
Tony Sheldon NSW, Australian Labor Party
I wonder whether both the candidates would like to give a short speech about why we should be voting for them.
Sue Lines President
Candidates are able to give a short speech if they wish to do so. Senator Ruston?
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
I just wonder what the length of time will be.
Sue Lines President
Minister Gallagher has suggested a minute, which is what we use for formal motions. As that is the agreement of the Senate, we will do one-minute statements. I remind the Senate that Senator Shoebridge and Senator David Pocock need to be heard in silence.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
11:21 am
Thanks to the chamber. It's a bloody outrage that the majors in this place are not letting there be two representatives from the crossbench. I know that there's probably a committee of secretaries who are desperately keen not to have more crossbenchers actually asking the questions. We can see a stitch-up when you do it. We know what you want to do. You don't want people actually testing what happens in this committee.
I've got to tell you this. Joint select committees are places where hope goes to die, so you actually do me a great favour in not sending me down onto this select committee. We've all been on them, right? Some drones and deadheads from the lower house come in and bore you to death. If anyone thinks a joint select committee on AI is how we're going to get ahead of the tidal wave of disaster that's coming, wake up and smell the roses! But, mainly, the crossbench can see a stitch-up, and we're not going to fight amongst ourselves.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I'm calling a point of order on the slurs about the members in the other place. That should be withdrawn under the standing orders.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
I'm waiting for silence. I did ask for these one-minute statements to be heard in silence.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
Go back and watch what just happened!
Sue Lines President
Order! Senator Hanson-Young, you will withdraw that comment.
Sue Lines President
Thank you. Senator Shoebridge, because there was so much noise in the chamber, I did not hear the comments that you may have made in relation to the other house, but, if you did make comments which were unparliamentary, I invite you to withdraw them.
Sue Lines President
Thank you very much, Senator Shoebridge. Senator David Pocock.
David Pocock ACT, Independent
11:23 am
I thank the Senate for this opportunity. One of the criticisms of the AI industry is that it still remains overwhelmingly white and male, so the irony is not lost on me that the Senate is provided with an opportunity to vote between two white dudes named David. Senator David Shoebridge does outstanding work at estimates and on committees, so I think, whatever the Senate decides, there will be a crossbencher engaging in good faith on this issue, which is one of the huge challenges we face. We're facing an exponential technology that is clearly difficult to deal with for legislators and difficult to deal with as a society. I think either David will make a good contribution to this community.
Sue Lines President
Ballot papers will now be distributed and collected once they're filled in. I invite Senators McKim and Lambie to act as scrutineers.
A ballot having been taken—
The result of the ballot is as follows: Senator David Pocock, 49 votes; and Senator Shoebridge, 12 votes. There were two invalid votes. Senator David Pocock is therefore elected. Congratulations, Senator Pocock.