But meeting the surge in demand may be difficult, the study warned, and experts called on the government to draw up investment plans to ensure it capitalises on the fast-growing industry.
The Australian Technology Council, in partnership with Microsoft, LinkedIn and Workday, launched the inquiry at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday.
The 'Preparing for the AI Skills Boom' report predicts that 33,000 Australians will be working in AI-related jobs in 2023, but data from CSIRO and LinkedIn suggests that figure could jump to 200,000 a decade later.
More than four-fifths of AI-related jobs will be in technology, such as engineering, data science, design and cybersecurity, but AI will also create demand for work in areas such as finance, marketing, legal and policy sectors, the study found.
Tech Council chief executive Damian Kasavugi said a wide range of skilled workers would be needed to support Australia's AI transition.
“In addition to roles responsible for developing, designing and maintaining AI systems, people with skills in areas such as HR, sales and governance will be needed to successfully scale these systems and businesses and harness the potential that lies ahead,” he said.
“Artificial intelligence is one of the major technology trends that is changing the way we work.”
The report recommended increasing vocational training opportunities for Australians joining the workforce, in addition to upskilling opportunities and mid-career courses to prepare existing workers.
The report also said AI literacy should be promoted in the workplace and that governments should remove the list of occupations attached to skilled immigration rules to help businesses address labour shortages.
But Workday public services regional sales director Paul Leahy said governments needed to prepare for change and consider AI investments and policies to ensure Australia had enough workers to meet demand.
“We need to prepare the Australian workforce for the opportunities that the widespread adoption of AI will bring and ensure we have a pipeline of AI-ready workers,” he said.
“A comprehensive AI investment and capabilities plan for Australia is essential to provide a clear pathway for regulation and governance, digital infrastructure and research, and commercialization.”
The study estimates that widespread adoption of generative AI in Australia could contribute $115 billion to the economy, with 70 percent of these benefits coming from increased productivity.
Australia has yet to introduce specific laws on the use of AI, but the federal government appointed a national advisory panel in February to consider mandatory rules on high-risk AI use.
