Australians in both knowledge-based and manual work are more vulnerable to mass job losses through AI than workers in other comparable OECD countries, according to a report by the Social Policy Group.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global economy at a pace unlike all previous technological revolutions, the report says.

“What makes AI uniquely disruptive is not simply the ability to automate routine work but its capacity to replace entire categories of labour. The structural changes will be tectonic.”     

The study found that the first layoffs begin in routine data entry, admin and retail but AI will proceed to replace many high-income, knowledge-based positions traditionally considered aspirational and secure.

“We already see this starting to unfold. The model finds that Australia will be one of the worst-hit OECD countries.”

A Senate report released in November last year recommended using the Occupational Health and Safety framework to bring more oversight to the introduction of AI.

These findings were welcomed by the ACTU.

“So far, large multinational companies and the biggest businesses have been making the major decisions around AI and too often workers have been denied a voice,” said ACTU Secretary Sally McManus.

“The Senate Inquiry has recognised that commonsense protections need to be introduced or strengthened to ensure that working people’s basic rights are preserved, including the right to meaningful consultation.”