DATACENTRE FIRM ACCUSED OF AI LOBBYING BLUNDER

The correspondence, obtained exclusively, shows NextDC asking Horne to advocate for the project to other cabinet ministers. Horne has accused the datacentre giant of using artificial intelligence to prepare the lobbying request, citing tell-tale AI errors in the document. The expansion project, described as a hyperscale AI factory, requires cabinet approval. NextDC's decision to use AI-generated content in official lobbying materials to a state minister raises questions about corporate communication practices and transparency in government relations. The incident highlights growing tensions around AI deployment in business-critical communications. It also underscores scrutiny of major infrastructure projects in Victoria, where datacentre expansion has become increasingly contentious amid concerns about energy demand and environmental impact. NextDC is one of Australia's largest datacentre operators, with significant infrastructure across the country.