David Pocock proposes $3 billion data centre levy
A 5 per cent levy on large data centres would raise about $500 million over four years.
At the National Press Club, Pocock said the Albanese government is "starstruck" by US AI companies. The government overlooks community concerns.
David Pocock's 5% levy would target large data centres with heavy power draw, raising about $500m over four years. Parliament's Budget Office showed potential earnings of just under $3 billion by 2036-37.
But significant uncertainty remains. Amazon and Microsoft alone have pledged around $45 billion in Australian data centre investment.
Industry group Data Centres Australia warned the levy would deter investors from the market.
- 5 per cent
- Levy rate
- $500 million
- Four-year revenue estimate
- $45 billion
- Tech investment pledge
- $200 billion
- Forecast investment
Why it mattersAustralia gets massive tech investment but little tax revenue. Pocock says a levy would fund housing and infrastructure.
AustraliaIf passed, the levy would affect Australian data centre operators and tech companies investing here, with revenue directed to affordable housing.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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