Overview

• OpenAI confirmed it will open a Sydney office this year after creating a local entity and beginning recruitment in Australia.
• The company reports about 700 million weekly users globally, with Australian weekly ChatGPT use up roughly 2.5 times and the nation in its top 10 for developers and paying subscribers.
• The Sydney site will function as a hub for developers, businesses, researchers and policymakers, with events and executive visits expected through year-end.
• Initial hiring will prioritize roles that support Australian customers and users, including technical positions, according to a person familiar with the plans.
• The expansion follows meetings with officials including ambassador Kevin Rudd and Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton, aligns with a lighter-touch regulatory direction reported by The Age, and builds on partnerships such as a multi-year deal with Commonwealth Bank.