King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, a prominent Australian rock band, expressed their dismay over the emergence of an AI clone on Spotify. Meanwhile, a massive dust storm swept through the Northern Territory, forcing mineworkers to seek shelter. Additionally, the CEO of the Future Fund faced questions regarding a costly business trip for an executive assistant.

King Gizzard's Concerns Over AI Clone
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, known for their innovative approach to music, recently removed their catalog from Spotify in protest against the streaming platform’s practices. The band’s frontman voiced his frustration after an AI impersonator, named King Lizard Wizard, appeared on the service. The band criticized Spotify’s leadership, particularly CEO Daniel Ek, for prioritizing profits over artists' rights. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artists and streaming services regarding the use of AI technology in music.

Dust Storm in the Northern Territory
On Sunday, a significant dust storm rolled through the Tanami Desert, alarming mineworkers in the area. Lachlan Marchant, one of the workers, described the scene as chaotic, with many fleeing to safety as the storm approached. The following day, an even larger dust storm was reported, prompting Marchant to exclaim that its size was "10 times bigger" than the previous day's storm. Local authorities have issued warnings about potential disruptions caused by these severe weather events, which are not uncommon in the region.

Future Fund CEO Under Fire
Raphael Arndt, CEO of the Future Fund, faced scrutiny during Senate estimates regarding a $20,000 expenditure for a trip taken by his former executive assistant. The trip aimed to assess hotel options in the United States and negotiate rates. Arndt also disclosed that he had dined at Disney's exclusive Club 33 to understand the company's cultural practices. Critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of such spending, questioning whether it aligns with the Future Fund's objectives and fiscal responsibility.

Wrap-up
The intersection of art, nature, and corporate governance has taken center stage in Australia this week. King Gizzard's battle against AI impersonation underscores the challenges artists face in the digital age. Meanwhile, the dust storm in the Northern Territory serves as a reminder of the region's harsh environmental conditions. Lastly, the Future Fund's financial decisions prompt ongoing discussions about accountability in public institutions.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team