Could the Tesla Chair act be a bridge between Elon Musk and Australia (Op-Ed)

Tesla chairman Robin Denholm was recently asked if she could broker a relationship between Elon Musk and the Australian government.

On 2 December 2024, the Australian Government announced a strategic review of the country’s research and development (R&D) to improve economic growth. Tesla Chairman Robin Denholm will lead the team that will conduct the strategic review.

During a press conference dedicated to the strategic review, a journalist asked if she would act as a bridge between Elon Musk and the Australian government. The dialogue from the conference can be seen below.

Elon Musk and the social media ban in Australia

There was some friction between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the Australian government recently due to the country’s recent social media ban. Last month, the Australian parliament passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media.

The ban requires tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent children under 16 from using their social media services. This will affect companies like Facebook, TikTok and Musk’s X platform. If tech companies fail to comply, they will face afin the amount of about 32 million dollars.

Elon Musk has shared his thoughts on Australia’s ban on social media, which US news outlets saw as criticism of the Australian government by the CEO of Tesla.

“Looks like a behind the scenes way to control all Australians’ internet access,” commented Musk X.