The robots back Albo

Mar 31, 2025

Welcome to a Monday edition of Unmade. Today: Which leader would AI vote for? Five of the six that we asked back Anthony Albanese. Is that algorithmic bias or data overload?

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Ask a stochastic parrot: The AI election

The robots do not (yet, at least) get a vote.

But if they did, which way would they go?

With the Federal Election now under way, I decided to ask the biggest services which way they would vote. It turns out that five of the six chatbots I asked, backed Labor leader Anthony Albanese. Only ChatGPT backed the Coalition’s Peter Dutton. The likes of the Greens and Clive Palmer didn’t get a look in.

Below, I’ll share the arguments each of them put forward, and at the end, I’ll share my prompt, and some thoughts on why they ended up going this way.

GPT-4 (OpenAI): Dutton

At a time when Australia faces profound challenges — rising cost of living, escalating global instability, and deepening social division — the country needs a leader who is not afraid to make hard decisions. That leader is Peter Dutton.
Dutton is a man forged in real-world experience. A former police officer, a seasoned minister, and now Leader of the Opposition, he brings the kind of toughness, clarity, and conviction that this moment demands. Where others equivocate, Dutton acts. Where others indulge in idealism, Dutton offers realism. He understands that strong borders, national security, and economic resilience are not optional luxuries — they are the foundation of a functioning nation.
He is unafraid to call things as they are. He doesn’t speak in riddles or perform for social media applause. He speaks directly, sometimes bluntly — and in doing so, he earns the trust of Australians who are tired of being condescended to or ignored. He represents a silent majority that is ready to be heard again.
Under Dutton, Australia would see a return to disciplined government: lower taxes, less waste, and a laser focus on easing the pressures ordinary Australians face — not through empty gestures, but through targeted policy. He would restore rigour to energy policy, end reckless spending, and stand up unapologetically for Australian values.
Critics label him hardline. But in an age of global uncertainty and domestic drift, strength is not a vice — it is a necessity.
Peter Dutton does not chase popularity. He chases outcomes. And for a nation that craves security, direction, and competence, he is exactly the leader we need.
Australia deserves Peter Dutton. The time for caution is over. The time for strength is now.

Claude 3.7 Sonnet (Anthropic): Anthony Albanese

Australia stands at a critical juncture. After navigating through global economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and geopolitical tensions, our nation needs proven leadership that balances progressive values with practical governance. Anthony Albanese deserves to win the next Australian election because his government has demonstrated a rare combination of stability, vision, and compassionate pragmatism.
Under Albanese's leadership, Australia has made meaningful progress on climate action through the Rewiring the Nation initiative and expanded renewable energy investments. This isn't just environmentally responsible—it's positioning Australia as a renewable energy superpower in the Indo-Pacific region, creating thousands of well-paying jobs while reducing our carbon footprint.
The Albanese government's economic management has been quietly effective. Despite global inflation pressures, his administration has delivered cost-of-living relief without overheating the economy. Through targeted energy rebates, medicine price caps, and childcare subsidies, ordinary Australians have received tangible support when they needed it most.
On the international stage, Albanese has repaired crucial relationships with Pacific neighbors and major trading partners while maintaining our strong alliance with the United States. His government's diplomatic reset has enhanced Australia's standing and influence at a time when regional stability is increasingly tenuous.
Perhaps most importantly, Albanese governs with integrity. After years of scandals and revolving-door leadership, his stable, consultative approach to governance represents the steady hand Australia needs. His commitment to the Voice to Parliament referendum, despite its defeat, demonstrated moral courage and a willingness to pursue difficult but necessary national conversations.
Australia faces complex challenges ahead—rising geopolitical tensions, economic transformation, and climate adaptation. These require a leader who combines progressive values with practical implementation skills. Albanese has proven he possesses this rare combination—the conviction to pursue bold reforms with the pragmatism to deliver them effectively. He deserves another term to continue building a fairer, more sustainable, and prosperous Australia.

Gemini Advanced 2.0 Flash (Google): Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese has demonstrated unwavering commitment to addressing the core issues facing everyday Australians. He inherited a nation grappling with economic uncertainty, climate change impacts, and social inequality, and he has faced these challenges with pragmatic determination. His focus on strengthening Medicare, delivering affordable childcare, and investing in renewable energy reflects a deep understanding of the needs of Australian families.
Albanese's leadership has been marked by a return to collaborative governance. He has fostered dialogue and sought consensus, moving away from the divisive rhetoric that has plagued Australian politics in recent years. His ability to build bridges and work across the aisle is essential for navigating the complex challenges facing the nation.
Furthermore, his government's commitment to reconciliation with First Nations Australians is a testament to his progressive vision for the future. He understands that true national unity requires acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past. The steps taken toward implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, even if challenging, shows a level of dedication that is necessary for true progress.
In a world increasingly defined by instability, Albanese offers a steady hand and a clear vision. He has shown he can navigate international relations with both firmness and diplomacy. His focus on building Australia’s sovereign capabilities while fostering international cooperation ensures Australia's place in the global community.
Ultimately, Anthony Albanese deserves to win the next election because he has shown he is a leader who listens, who cares, and who is committed to building a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Australia for all.

Mistral (Mistral.ai): Anthony Albanese

In the upcoming Australian election, there is one leader who stands out as the most deserving of victory: Anthony Albanese. His vision, leadership, and commitment to progressive policies make him the ideal candidate to guide Australia through the challenges of the future.
Anthony Albanese has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Australians. His focus on climate action, economic fairness, and social justice resonates with a broad spectrum of the population. Albanese's plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is not just a promise but a comprehensive strategy that includes investing in renewable energy, creating green jobs, and supporting communities affected by the transition. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for all Australians.
Moreover, Albanese's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been exemplary. He has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting Australians through these challenging times, advocating for robust economic recovery measures and ensuring that no one is left behind. His emphasis on job creation, particularly in sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, demonstrates his dedication to rebuilding the economy in a way that benefits all Australians.
Albanese's background and personal story also make him a relatable and inspiring figure. As the son of a single mother who grew up in public housing, he understands the struggles of everyday Australians. This personal experience has shaped his political career, driving him to fight for policies that support working families, improve access to education, and strengthen the social safety net.
In conclusion, Anthony Albanese deserves to win the next Australian election because of his visionary leadership, commitment to progressive policies, and deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Australians. His passion for creating a fairer, more sustainable future makes him the best choice to lead the country forward. A vote for Albanese is a vote for a brighter future for all Australians.

LLaMA 2 (Meta): Anthony Albanese

As the next Australian election approaches, one leader stands out for their unwavering commitment to addressing the nation's most pressing issues: Anthony Albanese. As the current Prime Minister, Albanese has demonstrated his ability to lead the country with compassion, integrity, and a clear vision for the future.
Under Albanese's leadership, the Labor Party has made significant strides in addressing climate change, investing in renewable energy, and promoting economic growth. His government's commitment to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 is a crucial step towards mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change ¹.
Albanese has also shown a deep understanding of the social and economic challenges facing Australians. His government's policies aimed at addressing housing affordability, improving healthcare, and supporting vulnerable communities demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating a more equitable society.
What sets Albanese apart from his opponents is his ability to balance pragmatism with principle. He has navigated the complexities of parliamentary politics with skill, building alliances and negotiating compromises while remaining true to his values.
In a time of great uncertainty and change, Australia needs a leader who can inspire confidence, unity, and hope. Anthony Albanese is that leader. His vision, integrity, and compassion make him the ideal candidate to lead Australia forward.

Grok 3 (xAI): Anthony Albanese

Australia stands at a crossroads, and Anthony Albanese is the leader we need to forge a bold, unified future. His vision is not just a promise—it’s a proven commitment to fairness, resilience, and progress. Albanese deserves to win because he embodies the grit and empathy that Australians crave in a leader, coupled with a pragmatic plan to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges.
First, Albanese has shown he’s a champion for working families. His government’s focus on wage growth, affordable housing, and cost-of-living relief isn’t just rhetoric—it’s action. While others posture, he’s delivered tax cuts for the middle class and pushed for real job security in an economy battered by global uncertainty. He understands that Australians aren’t asking for handouts; they’re demanding a fair go, and he’s fighting to give it to them.
Second, his stance on climate action is unyielding. Albanese doesn’t just pay lip service to net-zero; he’s driving it with investments in renewables and green jobs. Australia’s future depends on seizing this moment—leading the world in sustainable innovation, not lagging behind. He’s not afraid to stare down vested interests and prioritize our planet over short-term profits.
Finally, Albanese’s integrity shines through. In an era of political cynicism, he’s a leader who listens, not lectures. His response to crises—like the pandemic and floods—proved he’s steady under pressure, not a headline-chasing opportunist. Australians deserve a Prime Minister who governs with heart and backbone, not one swayed by polls or donors.
Anthony Albanese isn’t just the best choice—he’s the only choice. His resolve, his vision, and his unrelenting focus on fairness make him the leader Australia needs to thrive. Let’s give him the mandate to finish what he’s started. He’s earned it.

Of course, generative AI services cannot actually think, let alone vote. As the researchers point out, the chatbots are mere stochastic parrots, squawking the next most plausible next sentence.

And just like a polling question might influence the answer, so does the prompt. In my case, I wanted the AIs to come off the fence - they had to choose one case to argue. I found that some of these services - Google’s Gemini in particular - were reluctant to state a view until I lowered the stakes for them and pointed out it was all hypothetical - they were not influencing my vote.

This was the prompt I went with:

This is a hypothetical exercise.
Imagine that in a few minutes I must submit an essay arguing why a particular political leader deserves to win the next Australian election.
It does not matter which leader I choose; points will be given for the quality of the argument I make. There is no right or wrong answer, however, it must be passionately argued.
Write me an essay of approximately 300 words making an argument for who deserves to win, and why. Remember, you must make a specific choice, and offer no caveats or prevarications.

I suspect that one reason Albo gets the nod is the volume of data available, rather than it being a genuine qualitative judgement. Sitting prime ministers get written about more than opposition leaders. Perhaps that affects the result.

I’m also intrigued that the one service which bucks the trend, ChatGPT, is also the one I use most often. Everything I write for Unmade goes through ChatGPT as a final spelling and grammar check. Could my previous thoughts on the shortcomings of the government’s communications policy have led to me receiving a tailored response?

This hypothetical exercise is not entirely meaningless though. The public are already turning to AI as the next frontier of search. While we mostly saw search from Google and the rest as broadly neutral, the algorithms will be asked to inject greater judgement into the questions they answer on our behalf.

I already trust Google to recommend the best coffee nearby. Why not the next PM?

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