Australia's job market is on the cusp of a significant shift as artificial intelligence starts to make its mark. New research from Jobs and Skills Australia reveals that women and graduates are disproportionately at risk in roles susceptible to automation, sparking concerns about the future of work and household finances. According to data featured in the 'AI and Employment in Australia' report, occupations such as telemarketers, advertising professionals, and accountants are among those most exposed to AI displacement.
The analysis suggests that 'routine cognitive jobs', which encompass roles like clerks, retail managers, software programmers, and receptionists, are at highest risk due to their repetitive tasks being easily automated by generative AI. In contrast, manual roles such as tradespeople, aged care workers, truck drivers, cleaners, and gardeners have been deemed less susceptible to AI displacement – typically held by individuals with lower levels of university qualifications and higher vocational training.
While the report notes that widespread job losses directly attributable to AI have not yet occurred, it does highlight a discernible trend. Occupations with higher exposure to potential AI automation are experiencing slower employment growth compared to less exposed roles. Between late 2022 and early 2026, employment in the least-exposed jobs grew by 9.5%, whereas growth in the most-exposed roles increased by only 5.6%.
As the Australian government prepares to unveil updated plans for regulating AI across various sectors, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth has pledged support for Australians through skills training and adaptive pathways, reiterating the need for careful consideration of the evolving job market. This follows warnings from experts like Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who claims that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs globally within five years – a trend not yet evident in Australian data.
The report's findings underscore the importance of strategic planning to navigate the changing landscape of work and mitigate potential negative impacts on household finances. With AI increasingly making an impact, policymakers and employers must work together to support workers and ensure they are equipped with the skills needed for a future where automation is a reality.