NSW government 'absolutely thrilled' to welcome OpenAI ... until someone mentioned the Terminator films
News Source
β’Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:54:59 GMT
π° What Happened
The NSW government had to tone down its excitement about OpenAI opening a Sydney office. Staff in the technology minister's office joked about Skynet from the Terminator movies coming to Sydney within five years. They removed the words 'absolutely thrilled' from a media statement.
OpenAI has partnered with data centre operator NextDC to build a multi-billion dollar computing cluster in Sydney. The company announced its first Australian office in August last year and opened in December. Emails between staff were tabled in NSW parliament this week.
π The Backstory
OpenAI is the company behind ChatGPT and other powerful AI tools. It has grown very fast and set up offices around the world. Sydney is becoming a hub for technology and AI companies. The NSW government has been working hard to attract big tech firms to the state.
The Terminator comparison refers to a movie where an AI system called Skynet takes over the world. Staffers joked about this dystopian future. It shows how people are both excited and nervous about AI's rapid growth. The government wants to welcome AI investment but also manage public fears.
π― Why It Matters
AI companies are moving into your city and creating jobs. But many people worry about what AI could mean for the future. This story shows even government staff share those worries.
The NSW government had to tone down its excitement about OpenAI opening a Sydney office. Staff in the technology minister's office joked about Skynet from the Terminator movies coming to Sydney within five years. They removed the words 'absolutely thrilled' from a media statement.
OpenAI has partnered with data centre operator NextDC to build a multi-billion dollar computing cluster in Sydney. The company announced its first Australian office in August last year and opened in December. Emails between staff were tabled in NSW parliament this week.
OpenAI is the company behind ChatGPT and other powerful AI tools. It has grown very fast and set up offices around the world. Sydney is becoming a hub for technology and AI companies. The NSW government has been working hard to attract big tech firms to the state.
The Terminator comparison refers to a movie where an AI system called Skynet takes over the world. Staffers joked about this dystopian future. It shows how people are both excited and nervous about AI's rapid growth. The government wants to welcome AI investment but also manage public fears.
AI companies are moving into your city and creating jobs. But many people worry about what AI could mean for the future. This story shows even government staff share those worries.