The growing "AI divide"

In a mere three years, generative artificial intelligence products such as ChatGPT have gone from obscure and clunky to widespread and sophisticated. They can now generate text, audio and video that blur the boundaries of reality, and many are embedded into everyday tools such as Google Search.

But who is – and isn’t – using this technology in Australia?

A new national survey, released today, reveals a growing divide between those who can access and benefit from AI, and those who can’t. This threatens to deepen existing social inequalities and increase some people’s vulnerability to scams and misinformation.

But, as Kieran Hegarty and his colleagues write, there are ways to close it.

Drew Rooke

Assistant Science + Technology Editor

Australia is facing an ‘AI divide’, new national survey shows

Kieran Hegarty, RMIT University; Anthony McCosker, Swinburne University of Technology; Jenny Kennedy, RMIT University; Julian Thomas, RMIT University; Sharon Parkinson, Swinburne University of Technology

Disparities in learning and work, as well as increased exposure to scams, are just some of the risks of a growing ‘AI divide’.

Dick Cheney dies: giant of the US conservative movement whose legacy was defined by the Iraq war

Natasha Lindstaedt, University of Essex

The former US vice-president is widely regarded as the driving force behind George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq and the US War on Terror.

RBA keeps interest rates on hold, leaving borrowers looking further ahead for relief

Stella Huangfu, University of Sydney

See what economists are forecasting for rate cuts – or even rises – in 2026.

View from The Hill: fractured Liberals drown net zero and themselves in a torrent of verbiage

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

On Monday, the Liberals wallowed in the crisis over energy policy, its parliamentarians indulging in more than 35 media appearances.

Even if heads roll at Optus, we may not know much about their executive payouts

Anish Purkayastha, University of Sydney

Amid renewed calls for Optus executives to face the sack over September’s Triple Zero outage, what are the rules about disclosing executive payouts in Australia?

After 2 years of devastating war, will Arab countries now turn their backs on Israel?

Michelle Burgis-Kasthala, La Trobe University

Israel may be isolated now, but Arab leaders understand the need to keep the peace, maintain US support, and expand economic ties with Israel.

Former Prince Andrew’s biographer predicts ‘lots more to come’, after years charting his vices

Dennis Altman, La Trobe University

Even for those not interested in royal gossip, Andrew Lownie’s joint biography of former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is a fascinating – and revealing – read.

ASIO boss warns of ‘realistic possibility’ foreign government could attempt to kill a dissident in Australia

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Spy boss Mike Burgess details threats to Australia’s security in a speech to the Lowy Institute.

The threat of space terrorism is no longer science fiction, but we’re ill-prepared to combat it

Anna Marie Brennan, University of Waikato

As access to space becomes easier, terrorism is now a tangible threat. The world needs clear rules to avoid turning the final frontier into the next battlefield.

Ancient Greeks and Romans knew harming the environment could change the climate

Konstantine Panegyres, The University of Western Australia

They worried deeply about the impact climate change would have on us as individuals, and on broader society.

Yes, you can be intolerant to fruit and veg

Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland; Emily Burch, Southern Cross University; Mackenzie Derry, The University of Queensland

This rare genetic condition isn’t a fruit allergy or sensitivity. Could it explain your symptoms?

The ABC gives true crime the comedy panel show treatment – with expectedly mixed results

Xanthe Mallett, CQUniversity Australia

Comedian host Julia Zemiro is joined by criminologists and comedians to unpick key crime issues. Here’s where it works – and where it doesn’t.

Politics + Society
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Niki Savva and David Solomon on The Dismissal Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra Next week is the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam government. We’re joined by Niki Savva and David Solomon to talk about their memories of that day.

Environment + Energy
A deadly European hornet has reached NZ – we can all help stop its spread Phil Lester, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington The hornet invasion threatens honeybees, other pollinators and all native insects with no natural defences. Eradication attempts hinge on fast action by everyone.

Science + Technology
Cuts to key research facilities threaten Australia’s ability to be a global scientific leader Michael Preuss, Monash University; University of Manchester; Maggie Zhai, RMIT University At the same time Australia has inked a deal with the US on critical minerals, it’s proposing cuts to facilities that underpin its clean energy ambitions.

Buying a home
"To Jade (Your Say, Monday, November 3), don't despair, be patient, remain focussed and do your research to put a plan in place. Time is on your side. I was 33 years old when we had our first child to bring home to a modest house."
Ross Melrose

Thanks, Bev!
"Today I was reminded again of the rich variety of well-researched topics available in The Conversation. I am a curious young/elderly person and could not have access if they were beyond a paywall. My mornings reading the daily email often set the tone of my day and lead to further exploration through the links. Please continue to enrich my end days by continuing your daily publication."
Bev Cranwell

Fewer mistakes please
"Having had a career of almost half a century as a sub-editor, I see reminders every day of how editing standards have declined. In Monday’s newsletter the term 'average woman' raised my hackles, because there is no such thing. Only numbers can be expressed as an average, and there are various ways of measuring it. The newsletter also contains 'fall between the cracks'. This should be through, as presumably there is solid metaphorical material between the cracks."
Ken Turnbull, Maldon VIC

We'd love to hear from you. You can email us with your thoughts on our stories and each day we'll publish an edited selection.