AI gave MP bizarre response to terminal patient's assisted dying request
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie shared how Microsoft Copilot suggested replying "congratulations" to a constituent with terminal illness seeking assisted dying.
Andrew Hastie told a parliamentary inquiry that Microsoft Copilot gave unsuitable responses. He asked the software to help reply to a constituent letter.
The man had terminal illness and had written to Hastie about voluntary assisted dying. Copilot suggested responses including "congratulations", "great to hear from you", and "that is wonderful news".
Hastie shared the example to highlight flaws in American-run software. This was during an inquiry into bringing Anthropic and OpenAI to Australia.
Defence officials argued Australia needs advanced AI. Abigail Bradshaw, head of the Australian Signals Directorate, told the inquiry that her agents rely on AI daily to fend off malicious cyber actors.
- Microsoft Copilot
- AI system
- Andrew Hastie
- MP
- Abigail Bradshaw
- Australian Signals Directorate director
- Chris Crozier
- Defence AI officer
Why it mattersThe incident reveals serious gaps in AI tools when handling sensitive matters. It highlights why Australia may need to develop its own AI capabilities rather than rely on overseas software.
AustraliaThe inquiry shapes Australia's AI regulation policy and potential attraction of major AI companies to local operations.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
