Younger and First Nations workers face disproportionate displacement risks as automation accelerates across the Australian labor market.
- Entry-level roles in finance, human resources, and marketing face immediate exposure to generative automation, according to recent restructuring data.
- Federal officials are urging firms to consult staff on AI integration to mitigate risks of burnout and intrusive digital surveillance.
- Major corporate restructures at entities like Qantas and Canva have already resulted in thousands of layoffs linked to technological shifts.
“about how automation could affect their jobs, and the opportunity to move into new roles.” workplace relations minister Amanda Rishworth told employers said She launched a best practice guide on the adoption of AI in the workplace on Thursday.
The new government document cautioned that younger, older, and First Nations workers, along with women and people with a disability, faced disproportionate impacts. It also said that entry-level work may be the first to be automated.
“Will they receive support and opportunities to build new skills? Will their knowledge and expertise still be valued? Will they share in the benefits being created? Without answers to these questions, workers will naturally lose trust in the process and become reluctant to engage with new technologies,” Rishworth said in a speech to a business forum in Sydney.
Major companies have already begun slashing workforces in restructures spurred by AI changes. Qantas announced 850 job cuts targeting finance, human resources, and marketing roles, The Guardian reported.
National Australia Bank announced 2,500 job losses, while Canva announced 1,200 layoffs. Both firms linked their reductions partly to the growth of artificial intelligence.
| Company | Announced Job Cuts | Targeted Areas |
|---|---|---|
| National Australia Bank | 2,500 | General operations |
| Canva | 1,200 | Various departments |
| Qantas | 850 | Finance, HR, marketing |
The government guide paints an optimistic picture of AI, suggesting wider takeup could improve productivity, service quality, and profitability. It also noted potential boosts to wages and shorter working hours.
Deuter-level analysis in the document concedes potential hazards include intrusive worker surveillance, poor rostering practices, and intensified performance standards. Former industry minister Ed Husic questioned who ultimately receives the benefits of higher productivity during a parliamentary hearing examining the big four banks.
“Does it mean better services and lower prices for customers, secure jobs with higher wages for workers, or just lower labour costs and higher returns?” Husic asked.
Greens leader David Shoebridge criticized the administration for watching from the sidelines while major enterprises cut staff. He demanded formal legislative protections against surveillance and job losses.
“When the government talks about asking employers nicely to consult staff, what it is really saying is that a worker who loses their job to an algorithm will have no legal recourse at all,” Shoebridge said.
The Reserve Bank of Australia reported it had seen little evidence to date of AI disrupting the national labor market, though it noted future impacts remain highly uncertain. The central bank observed tentative impacts on specific roles like clerks, computer programmers, and call center workers.
The Reserve Bank also reported that datacentre construction and AI investment were fueling broader inflation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
