A new report from the Tech Council Australia (TCA) revealed that Australians are embracing artificial intelligence in the workplace and are optimistic about its impacts on their working lives.
The Future Ready: Australians and AI Workplace Tech report found that 94% of Aussie workers believe augmenting their jobs, not replacing them, and 72% said technology had a positive or very positive impact on their lives over the past decade.
“There is a willingness from the workforce to engage and augment their jobs with AI,” TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi said.
“That’s not to say there is zero concern, the main concerns raised by Australians on adopting new technologies relate to privacy, training and being involved in future decision making. But it’s positive to see that overall, Australians are optimistic and open-minded.”
Respondents of all age groups reported being positive about improving their working life over the next 5-10 years, despite economic headwinds and geopolitical conflicts.
Younger males emerged as the most optimistic and biggest advocates of AI and emerging technology. Overall, 78% of participants were advocates of AI and emerging technology, compared to 6% who were worried about it.
As for worries in the Australian workforce, factors like cost of living, healthcare and housing were the top concerns, with emerging technologies ranking much lower at 14th.
Currently, 84% of Australians in office jobs have reported using AI at work.
Kassabgi said the accelerating AI adoption will require appropriate regulatory and legislative settings to lift productivity, strengthen economic resilience and ensure economic sustainability.
“Our research found 49% of Australian workers do not think government officials understand technology well enough to regulate it effectively. This perception needs to shift and that means government must lead by example,” Kassabgi said.
“That’s why the TCA continues to call for fit-for-purpose, interoperable and risk-based regulatory frameworks that facilitate domestic AI investment, talent and innovation.
“A clear, flexible and interoperable regulatory framework will give developers and organisations the confidence to invest in AI for the future, so Australia is not just a net consumer of AI, but a world leader.”
