Australia’s workplace relations minister, Amanda Rishworth, has released a best‑practice guide to help employers navigate the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. The launch comes after high‑profile restructures at Qantas and Canva that saw significant job cuts driven by AI changes.
Rishworth warned that entry‑level positions are likely to be the first to be automated. While the government said AI could reduce working hours and lift wages for ordinary workers, it also cautioned that the technology could make jobs more demanding, leading to increased burnout and heightened workplace surveillance.
The guide stresses that companies must provide employees with a clear plan outlining how automation could affect their roles and offer pathways for redeployment into new positions. Rishworth said such transparency is essential as firms adopt AI tools.
Both Qantas and Canva have already announced workforce reductions linked to AI-driven efficiencies, illustrating the urgent need for employers to manage the transition responsibly.
By outlining practical steps for integrating AI while safeguarding workers’ interests, the government aims to balance productivity gains with fair employment outcomes.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
