Greens senator David Shoebridge has called for a blanket ban on new Australian government contracts with US spy tech company Palantir, describing the move as 'sensible' amid growing concerns over data transparency. 'There is zero clarity about what data governments are giving to this multinational threat,' Shoebridge said, urging a comprehensive public audit of existing agreements.
Controversial Manifesto Sparks Backlash
The call follows Palantir's publication of a manifesto on X earlier this month, which argued the benefits of American power and implied some cultures are inferior to others. UK MP described the document as 'ramblings of a supervillain.' Palantir, co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, develops software for analyzing vast datasets used by government agencies and corporations.
Growing Concerns Over Government Contracts
In Australia, state and federal contracts with Palantir have reached nearly $80 million, with federal investment exceeding $160 million. Agencies including Austrac and the defence department have spent an estimated $60 million on Palantir contracts, while the Future Fund holds $100 million in Palantir shares. Victoria's prison system has a $9 million contract for Palantir's Centurion system, used to analyze inmate data.
Critics point to Palantir's association with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Israeli military as reasons for concern. Shoebridge emphasized the need for a ban 'pending a comprehensive public audit of their existing Government agreements.'
Palantir Defends Its Role
A Palantir spokesperson stated the company is 'just a software company' that does not collect or monetize data. 'We simply provide the tools to help customers organize and understand their own information,' the spokesperson said, adding that how tools are used is determined by the customer and constrained legally and technically.
Palantir has achieved 'protected level' security certification from the Australian Signals Directorate, opening new opportunities for government contracts. The company has identified Australia as a lucrative market for its surveillance software, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption.
Lobbying and Code of Conduct
Communications company Cmax Advisory lobbied for Palantir in Canberra until April 2025, when the relationship ended. Palantir is subject to the Commonwealth supplier code of conduct, which requires managing risks related to labour, human rights, and cybersecurity. However, FOI requests revealed no documentation of Palantir being assessed against the code since July 2024. A Palantir employee stated the code clauses 'cause no concern for Palantir.'
Digital Rights Watch raised questions with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher about transparency and accountability. The finance department confirmed Palantir must adhere to the code, but did not confirm an assessment. Austrac reviews all major contracts against the code, while the defence department said suppliers must adhere to its expectations.
