NSW government ‘absolutely thrilled’ to welcome OpenAI ... until someone mentioned the Terminator films - The Guardian

The Guardian reported the emails on July 3, 2026. The final published statement used the word 'pleased' instead.

The emails show that the minister's staff were editing a welcome message for OpenAI, which is establishing an office in Sydney. During the drafting process, an employee made a humorous reference to the Terminator franchise, which led to discussion about whether the phrase 'absolutely thrilled' might be inappropriate given public concerns about AI safety. The staff ultimately decided to remove the phrase, replacing it with a more neutral expression.

The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding government messaging about artificial intelligence, particularly when engaging with prominent AI developers. The NSW government has been actively courting AI investment and has positioned itself as a hub for technology companies. The emails do not indicate any official policy change, but rather the internal caution exercised in public communications about AI.