The rapidly advancing technology in Australia is causing significant shifts in the job market, sparking concerns about the future of certain professions and the impact on the workforce. Experts have warned that the swift implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology could lead to the obsolescence of certain jobs, with far-reaching consequences for Australian workers across a wide range of industries.
A recent analysis conducted by the consulting firm McKinsey projected that by 2030, approximately 1.3 million Australian workers may need to transition to new professions, accounting for about nine per cent of the total workforce. Occupations such as office support, customer service, sales, and roles within the food service sector were highlighted as particularly vulnerable to AI-driven automation.
Research conducted by workplace technology firm Pearson and AI solutions provider ServiceNow has also indicated that jobs involving repetitive and technical tasks are at risk of significant disruption. The study estimated that approximately 1.3 million jobs could be affected by AI automation in the coming years, with the retail, banking, accounting, and finance sectors among the most susceptible.
Niusha Shafiabady, an associate professor at Charles Darwin University, has identified admin roles such as secretarial and clerical positions as particularly vulnerable to AI-driven automation. Furthermore, call centre workers, foreign language interpreters, and data entry personnel were also cited as at risk of displacement by AI technology.
Shafiabady also pointed out that roles within the finance industry, including banking, accounting, and financial analysis, could see certain tasks automated through AI systems, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of positions required.
Although the adoption of AI is expected to create new tech jobs, the number of positions lost due to automation is likely to outweigh those gained. The potential widespread job displacement has raised concerns for the future workforce, prompting experts to advise parents to consider the long-term impact on their children’s career paths.
However, it is worth noting that roles requiring physical labour, such as those in mining and construction, are less likely to be replaced by AI technology in the near future due to the cost of implementing advanced robotic solutions. Additionally, professional networking site LinkedIn has reported a surge in job advertisements seeking candidates with AI expertise, indicating a growing demand for AI skills across various industries.
On a global scale, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that up to 60 per cent of jobs in advanced economies like Australia could be impacted by AI, leading to concerns about increased inequality and job displacement. The IMF’s forecast, coupled with reports from other major finance and consulting firms, paints a sobering picture of the potential impact of AI on the future of work.
In conclusion, AI technology is poised to reshape the job market in Australia, with certain professions facing the risk of obsolescence. While the adoption of AI presents new opportunities, the potential for job displacement and economic implications underscores the need for careful consideration and planning to mitigate the impact on the workforce and society at large.