Your Federal Member's Community Update

September 10, 2026

AUSTRALIA NEEDS AN "AI KILL SWITCH" AND DATA CENTRE MORATORIUM

This week I introduced groundbreaking legislation to Parliament: the AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026.

Why are we rushing headlong into technology that we don’t even know we can control?

My Bill delivers on two critical fronts: keeping advanced AI under strict human control and stopping the rollout of resource-hungry data centres until Parliament passes proper safeguards.

AI KILL SWITCH

When AI goes wrong, the threat is real. Profit is being put ahead of humanity. Overseas, we’ve already seen advanced AI models escape testing environments and autonomously hack into other companies.

When AI goes rogue, humans must retain the authority to pull the plug.

My Bill:

Mandates kill switch/shutdown capabilities for high-capacity AI developers
Requires reporting of critical incidents within 24 hours
Gives Government emergency powers to throttle or shut down severe threats
Establishes national safety oversight to review AI systems before public release

DATA CENTRE MORATORIUM

AI relies on power-hungry, water-intensive data centres. Left unregulated, these facilities risk swallowing productive farming land and scarce water supplies in country communities like Calare, while driving up power and water bills.

My Bill establishes a nationwide moratorium on new AI data centre builds to:

Protect agricultural land, water resources, and the environment
Protect households from higher power and water bills
Give local communities the power to approve or reject proposed constructions
Protect public health and humankind.

The rush toward AI must be controlled. It cannot come at the expense of our resources, communities, national security, or human safety.

Standing in Solidarity with Nepal

It was profoundly moving to see well over 200 members of our community gather at Kings Parade in Bathurst recently for a candlelight vigil.

The magnitude of the recent tragedy in Nepal and Tibet is difficult to grasp, with thousands of lives lost or missing and so many families suffering.

When a disaster of this scale happens, it’s easy to feel helpless - but by coming together, we show our local Nepalese community that they do not stand alone.

Thank you to everyone who came out to light a candle, offer a prayer, and extend their love, fellowship, and support to our Nepalese friends and neighbours during this heartbreaking time.

GUN BUSINESSES BEING SMASHED!

I recently spoke with Shane, a firearm business owner from our region, and it was clear the challenges he outlined are being experienced right across NSW.

Trade has dropped off dramatically. Normally they’d sell around 800 firearms by this time of year - but this year, it’s only been 33.

These rushed gun laws are smashing local, law-abiding businesses. Shane has been forced to go back to other work just to keep his doors open. He’s had to cut back his staff and reduce the store opening hours to try and stay afloat.

Inadequate one-off $25,000 government grants don’t even touch the sides, when businesses like Shane’s are losing $25,000 a week in turnover.

We are destroying legitimate regional businesses while doing nothing to stop the real crooks and terrorists who don’t follow the law anyway.

It’s time the government stopped penalising law-abiding Australians for their own policy failures and bin this flawed scheme!

This is why I voted against these gun laws.

GRANTS

Dobell Exhibition Grant

$40,000 | Closes 13 October 2026

Supports regional galleries and cultural centres across NSW to develop and present new curated visual arts exhibitions, helping showcase artistic talent and enrich local communities.

MORE INFORMATION: https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/funding/grants-we-administer/dobell-exhibition-grant/

Early Childhood Development Grants

From $100,000 | Closes 8 April 2027

Supports innovative programs that improve learning, development and wellbeing outcomes for children aged 0–8 years, helping young Australians build strong foundations for the future.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.ianpotter.org.au/what-we-support/program-areas/early-childhood-development

Authorised by Andrew Gee, MP, Suite 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800