The highly anticipated economic roundtable of the treasurer is shaped to be a showdown against the future of AI.
While businesses want to limit regulations, unions have decided to deploy to workers, hoping that the new government's report is fostering tensions.
“It would reduce profits for businesses and workers and hinder the Australian economy,” said Andrew McKeller of the Australian Chamber of Commerce.
It could be a virtual elephant in the room at the Treasurer's Economic Summit, which was held in Canberra next week.
The new report found that AI is likely to help turbocharge the power rather than swapping workers, but acknowledges that entry-level roles could be more impacted.
It recommends government-led, concentrated deployment in cooperation with workers.
“They know how to use AI most effectively. Importantly, they know where to take jobs, not where they can be productive,” said Liam O'Brien of the Australian Union Council.
But not everyone agrees with feelings.
“It's going to give them a veto, and we think it's putting too much force in the hands of the union,” McKeller said.
However, business groups and unions have agreed to other proposals, such as promoting Upskill workers with AI crash courses and embedding training in university and TAFE qualifications.
This will lead unions and employers to a conflict course before next week's roundtable. This discusses the role of AI that can help to improve productivity and reduce deficits to raise living standards behind.
“By increasing the costs of the business, we won't improve our standard of living,” said Ted O'Brien, Shadow Treasurer.
