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Does Andrew Leigh support AI safety policies?

Andrew Leigh (Labor) represents Fenner in the House of Representatives.

Andrew Leigh MP is an expert on existential risks who has written extensively on the topic and has publicly stated that AI represents "the biggest Catastrophic Risk that we face." At the Australians for AI Safety Virtual Town Hall, he emphasised that many AI researchers believe superintelligent AI could "lead to the doom of humanity" and compared the situation to not boarding a plane with a 5% crash risk, stating that "reducing that 5% probability is a huge priority." Labor's official position on key AI safety policies is less definitive. Given his role as Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and his recognised expertise on existential risks, Andrew Leigh could influence the party's stance on AI safety, including moving them towards more robust commitments on both policies.

Current Positions

Assistant Minister for Competition & Treasury

Since 2025

Responsible for productivity policy and competition law that affects AI market dynamics and economic impact

Key Statements on AI Safety

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“AI represents the biggest catastrophic risk that we face.”
Australia's AI Crossroads: Election 2025 Town Hall · View source →
“If you were thinking of boarding a plane that had a 5% chance of crashing, you probably wouldn’t get on. Reducing that 5% probability is a huge priority.”
Australia's AI Crossroads: Election 2025 Town Hall · View source →
“Ultimately, tackling existential risks is a political problem...the values of those who run the country will determine how much of a priority the nation places on averting catastrophe.”
What's the Worst That Could Happen (Chapter 1) · View source →
“If we get this right – if governments listen, if workers’ voices are at the centre – then AI can help us build an economy where expertise is widespread, middle-class jobs are plentiful, and the fair go is stronger than ever. The story of technology is not destiny. The future of AI is not written. It is ours to shape, and we should shape it so that work in the AI age is fairer, safer and more rewarding for all Australians.”
The Canberra Times - Opinion Piece · View source →
“The key to advances in artificial intelligence is the speed at which machines can improve themselves. It's possible that computers might blast past us as though we are standing still. We could see an 'intelligence explosion'... It is curious this point is made so seldom outside of science fiction... Once a superintelligence has been created, it would be near-impossible to contain... Safety should not be an afterthought... When the leading researchers on an issue believe that there is a one in twenty chance it could estinguish the world, it's not alarmist to be looking for solutions... Minimizing the risks from artificial intelligence is not only a blend of philosophy and programming; it requires governments to synthesize their innovation-backing role with their regulatory duties. At present, these responsibilities are often delegated to different parts of the bureacracy. Governments should learn from car designers, who recognize the value of putting the gas pedal next to the brake... It makes sense today to make the preparations that will help ensure that humanity's final invention does not bring our final hour.”
What's the Worst That Could Happen (Chapter 4) · View source →
“The rise of AI engines has been remarkable. … AI can be a valuable competitive force in product and service markets. ... However, AI also poses five risks for competition.”
The Weekend Australian – Opinion piece · View source →
“I think we’re all concerned about the implications for privacy. I think there are reasons to be concerned about the potential anti-competitive aspects if the AI engines consolidate over coming years. But it’s also very clear that this is a technology with great potential to take away drudge parts of our jobs and allow people to focus on the most stimulating types.”
The Bulletin · View source →
“Recent years have seen an explosion in interest in artificial intelligence and big data. The technology is promising, but its use in government rightly makes people nervous. Yet it's useful to see areas where artificial intelligence and big data have helped produce better outcomes for citizens, without undermining key ethical values of transparency, privacy and human oversight.”
The Canberra Times – Opinion piece · View source →
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