Your Federal Member's Community Update

September 24, 2026

GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN AI KILL SWITCH BILL!

Last week in Parliament, I reintroduced my game changing AI Kill Switch and Data Centre Control Bill 2026.

The next generation of AI is self-improving faster than humans can write the guardrails. Tech insiders are admitting there's a real chance AI could destroy humanity this decade. Even tech billionaires are now ringing the alarm bells, begging for a slowdown.

AI agents are ALREADY breaking out of isolated environments, escaping onto the open internet, communicating autonomously, and hacking real infrastructure! Yet, claims by the US President that the threats posed by AI are a "hoax" are grossly irresponsible!

When AI goes rogue, humans MUST retain the power to hit the kill switch, pull the plug, and shut it down.

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, privacy, civil rights and humankind.

The rush toward AI must be controlled. It cannot come at the expense of our resources, communities, national security, or human safety. In developing AI, tech billionaire profits must NEVER be put ahead of our country or the future of humanity.

Disappointingly, the Government chose to use its numbers to shut down debate. We lost the vote 89-13.

I won't stop fighting to put human oversight back at the centre of AI!

Back Our Veterans, Scrap Healthcare Caps

Jacqui Lambie has just put a Bill into the Senate to ensure veterans are not subject to any healthcare caps.

I’m backing this Bill in and I’ve invited Jacqui, who is a veteran, to visit our area and meet with our local veterans.

Australia’s veterans. Always support them. Never forget them.

VOLUNTEER GRANT FOR ROTARY CLUB OF OBERON!

It was a real privilege to present a $4,000 Australian Government Volunteer Grant to the Rotary Club of Oberon!

Today I handed over the cheque to President Sharon Norris alongside Area Mentor Glen Stewart.

This grant will help fund some new branded clothing for their dedicated members, as well as new entrance signage for the town - including a changeable signage to showcase and promote upcoming local events!

The Rotary Club of Oberon does so much to support our local community, and making sure our hard-working volunteers have the gear and support they need is money very well spent.

Congratulations to Sharon, Glen, and all the amazing Rotary members!

Thank you for everything you do for the Oberon community!

VIBRANT VISION FOR OBERON LIBRARY

Fantastic catching up with Rhiannon, the Oberon Library Manager recently!

The Oberon Library and community centre is such a brilliant, vibrant new space for our local community to connect and learn.

Rhiannon isn’t stopping there - she has some fantastic ongoing plans for colourful new shelving and is looking to hopefully expand the mobile library offering across the council area.

She’s such a dedicated leader, and I can't wait to see these wonderful future plans come to life!

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