Sydney academic used AI to write SMH opinion piece urging students to avoid using tech to ‘cut corners’
TL;DR
Sydney Morning Herald removes piece by Cath Ellis, despite Western Sydney University saying her use of AI was ‘appropriate’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A top Sydney academic used AI to write an opinion piece that urged students to “do the work” and not cut corners by using such technology, with the Sydney Morning Herald removing the “unacceptable” piece from its website. Western Sydney University’s pro vice-chancellor for quality and integrity, Prof Cath Ellis, had an opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald last month, in response to an article from the academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert.
Nauti's Take
The interesting part is what the case exposes: AI is firmly part of everyday writing now – even among integrity professionals. The catch isn't the tool but the missing transparency: using AI while telling others to avoid it burns credibility.
Nauti reads the real lesson for universities and newsrooms as clear disclosure rules instead of blanket bans – an approach that ultimately benefits both sides.
Sources