Senior Australian Labor minister Tanya Plibersek has denounced an artificial intelligence-generated image that falsely depicted her and other female cabinet ministers wearing luxury designer brands. The doctored image, which shows ministers Anne Aly, Anika Wells, Clare O'Neil, and Plibersek seated in parliament dressed in outfits attributed to Gucci, Versace, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, has circulated online, with some social media users appearing to accept it as genuine.
Plibersek stated that she has become a frequent target of AI-generated material, which she described as "slop." She noted that while this particular image was relatively mild, much of the AI-generated content she encounters is too inappropriate to share.
The fabricated image is an altered version of an Australian Associated Press photograph originally taken during question time in parliament on November 25, 2025. In the authentic photograph, the ministers are shown wearing standard business attire without any visible designer labels.
Plibersek emphasized the need for the government to maintain a clear-eyed perspective on the risks associated with AI. "Australia might seem like a small player in this global conversation, but we have a history of standing up to big tech when it matters," she said, referencing the country's social media legislation and ongoing work on digital duty of care.
She further advocated for future reforms to focus on establishing clear national standards for AI and safeguarding the intellectual property of Australian creators and rights holders.
In July, the Albanese government announced plans to introduce national standards and laws for artificial intelligence, aiming to ensure that AI operates in Australia's interests. The Office of AI has been established within the Prime Minister's department to collaborate with the National Cabinet on developing these standards, with the government intending to implement them through legislation by the following year.