A new report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) indicates that women and university graduates in Australia are at the highest risk of job displacement due to artificial intelligence (AI). The report, released this week, identifies telemarketers, advertising staff, and accountants as among the occupations most exposed to automation. The findings suggest that roles requiring routine cognitive tasks are particularly vulnerable to generative AI technologies.
Key Details
According to the report, clerks, retail managers, software programmers, and marketing professionals are also at risk. In contrast, jobs deemed least exposed to AI displacement are typically held by individuals with lower university qualifications and higher vocational training, such as tradespeople and aged care workers. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth noted that while AI could reshape the job market, current labor conditions remain strong.
The government is expected to announce updated plans next week on how to manage AI's impact across various sectors. Rishworth emphasized the commitment to harnessing AI for job creation rather than threats to employment. The report marks the first instance of the government tracking data on AI's potential effects on the workforce, with plans for ongoing monitoring.
Background
The report highlights that the highest-risk roles are those involving repetitive cognitive tasks, which are more easily automated. Rishworth stated,
The government is determined to ensure AI is harnessed to create good jobs, not threaten them.
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The potential for job displacement may affect sectors such as technology and education, where employment dynamics could shift due to increased automation. Investors will watch for the government's upcoming announcement on AI regulation and its implications for the labor market.