This is the first publication for The Social Policy Group’s Forward Guidance Series: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the global economy at an unprecedented pace, marking a revolution that transcends any technological advancement before it. Unlike innovations that primarily automated routine tasks, AI possesses the disruptive ability to redefine entire industries, replacing categories of labour once thought irreplaceable. Beyond its impact on employment, AI’s potential to advance knowledge, optimise resource use, and drive efficiency promises to usher in a new era of human progress. However, it will also disrupt existing industries and reshape our workforce, presenting challenges that demand urgent attention. To capture gains Australia must rethink the structure of our economy. This document examines the economic and social implications of AI-driven workforce retrenchment, emphasising the need for proactive strategies to navigate this transformative period. By understanding the scope and scale of these disruptions, policymakers, businesses, unions and society can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
We also extend our respect to emerging leaders and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging their enduring connection to the lands, waters, skies, and communities across this nation.
We honour the resilience, strength, and diversity of First Nations cultures and celebrate their ongoing contributions to society. Through our work, we strive to support equity, inclusion, and respect for the world’s oldest continuing cultures, understanding that this is fundamental to achieving social justice and a better future for all Australians. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded, and we affirm that the lands on which we operate always were, and always will be, Aboriginal land.