The AI boom has led to data centres popping up all over Australia, and they have an insatiable thirst for water and electricity.Some experts are concerned that guardrails need to be put in place urgently to ensure the companies behind the data centres don’t have unfettered access to the nation’s electricity and water supplies.A coalition of industry groups, unions, community organisations and environmental groups has put forward a proposal that would see future data centres forced to adhere to a set of principles.They include the centres sourcing their own renewable energy, using water “responsibly” and operating with "transparency".The proposal, written by Carbon Zero Initiative’s Alexander Hoysted, is now on the desks of two government ministers. Hoysted gives the National Account’s Archie Milligan the lowdown on what could happen if these data centres are built without proper oversight.Follow The National Account:https://www.instagram.com/thenationalaccounthttps://www.tiktok.com/@thenationalaccount

The National Account’s Archie Milligan sits down with Australian comedy trio Mates Rates, who have taken over social media feeds over the last few years with their skits about everything from South African rugby coaches to federal elections.The boys talk about how they started, where they get their ideas from and what some of their career highlights have been so far.Follow The National Account:https://www.instagram.com/thenationalaccounthttps://www.tiktok.com/@thenationalaccountFollow Mates Rates:https://www.instagram.com/matesratesinsta/https://www.tiktok.com/@mates.rateshttps://www.youtube.com/@mates.ratesYT

Trees across Sydney's Upper North Shore are vanishing, and it’s not just illegal poisonings that are seeing the green canopy in decline.The North Shore Lorikeet’s Huw Bradshaw explains to Archie Milligan how local and state planning loopholes, as well as an unregulated arboriculture industry, are felling our suburbs.Read more here: https://www.northshorelorikeet.com.au/p/developers-are-arborist-shopping-so-they-can-get-on-with-tree-chopping

In mid-March last year, dead marine life started washing up on South Australian shores. In July 2025, the National Account spoke with Scott Bennett, a Marine Ecologist at the University of Tasmania, about that seismic event.

Today, Bennett gives Archie Milligan the rundown on what’s happened since and what’s being done to mitigate the damage.

The NSW Police are under investigation.It comes after a rally protesting the arrival of Israel President Isaac Herzog earlier this month ended in clashes between the public and members of the NSW Police.But can the watchdog actually hold them to account? Redfern Legal Centre's Samantha Lee explains to the National Account’s Archie Milligan what the watchdog can and can't do.

New migration laws passed last week have removed oral hearings for visa appeals. This means life-or-death decisions could be made on paper alone.

Aylum Seeker Resource Centre Deputy CEO Jana Favero explains to the National Account’s Archie Milligan how the reforms, which the government claims will initially just impact refused student visa holders, could threaten asylum seekers' right to a fair go.

Ever wonder how political spin really works? Former senior media adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard reveals the 60+ hour weeks, $200K salaries, and the behind-the-scenes tactics of Australia's political machine.WHAT IS THIS INTERVIEW ABOUT? Sean Kelly worked as a press secretary for Kevin Rudd and in a senior role for Julia Gillard. He pulls back the curtain on political communications in Australia. From "drops" (authorised leaks) to managing hostile media outlets.In this chat with the National Account’s Archie Milligan, Kelly explains what life is like for staffers, the real strategies they use and the schedules they keep.

Ever wondered how Australian elections really work?Former ABC Election Analyst Antony Green reflects with the National Account’s Archie Milligan on his 36-year career calling elections, unexpected victories, and the biggest misconceptions Australians have about their voting system.Follow The National Account:https://www.instagram.com/thenationalaccounthttps://www.tiktok.com/@thenationalaccount