Debate Club will bring one of the most talked-about topics in the industry as of late to the stage at SXSW. On Tuesday, 14 October, Debate Club will pose the question ‘AI Moves Too Fast for the Government, Only the Industry Can Regulate It’.
Can artificial intelligence really be kept in check by government red tape, or is it only safe in the hands of the very people building it? The Debate Club is tackling this question head-on at the upcoming SXSW Conference on October 14 at 4:00 PM.
With our newsfeeds filled with story upon story of AI’s advancement and, unfortunately, some accompanying horror stories, it has led many to scratch their heads on who’s really leading the charge in AI governance. Do we look to the very companies that created the intelligence we all now rely on to function day to day?
The debate panel will feature James Gauci, CEO and founder of Cadent, Stela Solar, managing director of data and AI at Accenture ANZ, Camilla Cooke, CMO and co-founder of Jaimee AI, Sam McCool, MC, comedian, Stephen Hunt, former CEO of UnLtd, and Kat Dunn, lawyer-turned social entrepreneur, comedian, and co-founder of Talk2View.
Gauci founded the AI consultancy and Social Traders certified social enterprise Cadent, helping governments and organisations govern and build high-ROI AI systems.
Solar is a global leader in responsible AI, with a 20-year track record spanning Microsoft, Australia’s National AI Centre, and advisory roles at Beyond Blue.
Cook co-founded Jaimee AI, the first AI companion for women, and is a seasoned digital marketing leader with over 25 years’ experience across technology, fintech, FMCG, politics, and not-for-profit.
McCool is an AI innovator who has performed globally, hosted events for brands, and pioneered AI-powered comedy experiences.
Hunt is the founder of Square Wave AI Academy, dedicated to democratising AI literacy across industries and communities.
Dunn is the winner of the 2025 Women in AI Global Innovation Award and former CEO of Grameen Australia.
“The Debate Club always delivers highly engaging, insightful & inspiring debates and for SXSW Sydney they will really bring it BIG time. Awesome provocative topic with the best talent showcased… this session is not to be missed!” Greg ‘Sparrow” Graham said.
