Opened the debate
Pocock argued that government expectations for data centre operations lacked enforcement mechanisms and effectively shifted responsibility to state governments. Pocock noted concerns regarding the significant energy and water consumption of data centres, citing projections that Sydney facilities would consume more drinking water than Canberra within the next decade. Pocock stated that federal investment in biodiversity was inadequate, representing only 0.1 per cent of the budget, which hindered efforts to address invasive species and climate impacts on alpine ecosystems.