Australia’s workplace relations minister, Amanda Rishworth, has launched a best practice guide for adopting AI in the workplace, following major job cuts at Qantas, Canva, and National Australian Bank. The government’s guide urges employers to consult workers on automation plans and warns that entry-level jobs are likely to be automated first, with disproportionate impacts on younger, older, and disadvantaged workers.
The guide notes that AI could bring higher wages and shorter hours, but also warns of risks such as increased workplace surveillance, unrealistic performance standards, and discrimination. Rishworth said AI must benefit both businesses and employees, and warned that introducing AI without proper consultation could increase workloads. Greens leader David Shoebridge criticised the government’s voluntary approach, arguing that legal protections are needed as firms cut jobs and increase monitoring.
The Reserve Bank of Australia reported little evidence so far of AI disrupting the labour market, but noted uncertainty about future impacts. The bank also linked AI investment and datacentre construction to inflation. The government’s guide calls for employers to address both the opportunities and risks of AI, especially for entry-level roles.
