AU Edition - Today's top story: Data centres have existed for decades. So why are they so controversial now? September 14, 2026 AU Edition   If your socials feeds and social circles are anything like mine, you’re starting to hear more and more about data centres. We’re seeing reports of hyperscale data centres increasing power prices and water usage in the United States, and Australians watching these monoliths being erected in their suburbs are worried we’re about to experience the same. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has clearly read the room and is making announcements about their development and regulation. Critics are calling for a moratorium on data centres, in line with other jurisdictions such as New York. But Albanese has ruled this out, saying Australia shouldn’t cut itself off from the opportunities they present. We asked our readers what they wanted to know about data centres, and within 48 hours we had more responses than our small team could realistically handle and had to close the survey. Among all the opposition, we wanted to get the facts from people who really know. Are the environmental effects as bad as people say? Are they really so noisy? And despite all this, do we still need them anyway? Today Johanna Lim sets the scene for us, explaining why we’re all talking about data centres now, and what they’re actually for. We also have nine experts answering our readers’ most common questions – you can read them all, or just jump straight to the one you care about most. And if your question isn’t in there – keep reading. We’ll have more detailed articles on the environmental effects, economics, technology and more in coming days.   Alexandra Hansen Deputy Editor and Chief of Staff       Data centres have existed for decades. So why are they so controversial now? Johanna Lim, University of Sydney Data centres were once treated as invisible pieces of digital infrastructure. Now, they’re the focus of intense political debate. Data centres in Australia: your questions answered Alexandra Hansen, The Conversation; Signe Dean, The Conversation From almost 350 questions, nine experts answer the most common ones you asked. View from The Hill: Albanese lashes Hanson over attack on his mother Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra It is the second time in days that the One Nation leader is on the back foot after making a personal attack. We may be able to turn off the algorithm, but we can’t escape the misogyny of the manosphere Stephanie Wescott, Monash University; Jane Gilmore, Monash University; Naomi Pfitzner, Monash University Important as it is, no amount of social media regulation will meaningfully address the manosphere unless we also dismantle the misogyny that underpins it. Australia must double down to meet our climate targets. Our new study shows how Bill Hare, Murdoch University Global warming is set to surpass the 1.5°C limit if governments worldwide fail to act. Too many students have ‘reading anxiety’. New research suggests it is triggered by problems in primary school Genevieve McArthur, Australian Catholic University Reading anxiety involves excessive worries and apprehensions about reading activities. What are statins? And can healthy people use them to prevent heart disease and dementia? Jack Janetzki, Adelaide University ; Lauren Cortis, Adelaide University ; Nicole Pratt, Adelaide University New evidence shows more people might benefit from this cholesterol-lowering medication than we previously thought. But that doesn’t mean everyone should take one. A brief history of collage from 12th century Japan to Sydney today – and your own kitchen table Alexandra Crosby, University of Technology Sydney Collage can be traced back to the invention of paper. Australian artists are still exploring its possibilities today. Here’s how you can, too. Alice Duncan-Kemp was an empathetic observer of Mithaka culture, but her legacy is complicated Eve Vincent, Macquarie University Alice Duncan-Kemp’s books drew on a pastoral childhood in intimate contact with Mithaka people. They formed part of the basis for a 2015 native title determination. Politics + Society Albanese and Taylor explore possibility of deal on migration reforms Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra The discussions between the two leaders reflect a desire by both sides to reduce the heat around the migration issue, which is being fuelled by One Nation. Yes, it’s the economy, stupid. But One Nation is outflanking the government on messaging, too Carol Johnson, Adelaide University Voters’ economic pain is real. But perceptions matter too, and the government must get better at selling its message on its key policies. Needling for change: the surprisingly political history of knitting Stephen John Taylor, University of Otago Labour MP Deborah Russell’s knitting caused a stir in parliament. But the humble craft has a long history as a tool for protest, solidarity and political change. Health + Medicine How to talk to your kids about edgy or violent porn in an age-appropriate way Kath Albury, Swinburne University of Technology; Catherine Page Jeffery, University of Sydney Parents play a vital role in educating young people about sex, sexuality and pornography. But where do you start? Business + Economy Private money is coming to NZ netball. Other sports should be paying close attention Hoani Smith, Lincoln University, New Zealand; Phil Borell, University of Canterbury; Tom Kavanagh, Lincoln University, New Zealand Private investment promises new money and expertise for NZ netball. But its success will depend on who benefits – and what happens to the wider game. Science + Technology ‘We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans’: if AI labs are so worried about AI doom, why don’t they stop? Michael Noetel, The University of Queensland A powerful mix of hopes, fears and arms-race dynamics means AI companies won’t slow down unless they’re forced to. Your Say Your article ‘Cutting the tobacco excise won’t stop the illegal trade. This is how other countries solved the problem’ was novel in that it introduced prosecuting ‘tax evasion’ for the first time that I can remember in this debate. But governments would do well to remember that it was tax and health experts who framed the stupid tobacco tax in the first place. Look where it has led us. Experts should also not forget the lessons of the Capital Duplicators case in the High Court in 1991, when the porn industry took the ACT government to task over its tax on X-rated videos. — Robbie Swan Read the article With regards to housing shortages as mentioned in your article titled ‘Australia has a housing shortage. So why are Bathla and other home builders collapsing?’, it amazes me that individuals can expect to own or rent their own personal home; it has never been the case in history, and I’m not certain humans are designed to live alone. Think of all those empty bedrooms across the country, and the pensioners with homes who struggle to pay bills but are discouraged from renting spare rooms because it could reduce their pension. A good example of how it can work are two couples buying one home (four incomes) and renovating to divide the house; most people will tell you of family backgrounds where extended families shared and many took in boarders. I own my home and I want as many people as possible to own their own home too, but really we need to change the tax laws to incentivise people to share. — Christine Crowe Read the article   We'd love to hear from you. Each day we publish an edited selection of your views on our stories. Email us     Featured Events, Courses & Jobs View all Brisbane Writers Festival 8 - 11 October 2026 • New Farm Canberra Writers Festival 15 - 18 October 2026 • Advanced Project Management Course 21 - 28 October 2026 • Sydney Community Development Course – Social Planning in Action 17 - 18 September 2026 • Promote your event or course   Contact us