The ACTU advocated for a mandate requiring employers to consult employees before launching new AI tools, whereas business groups cautioned that additional regulations could hinder adoption and diminish productivity benefits.

“I emphasized that workers aren’t the only ones at risk. Business owners are facing uncertainties about their future or potential obsolescence,” stated Innes Willox, Australian Industry Group chief executive.

The government previously announced its collaboration with the industry to create a National AI Capability Plan by the year’s end, outlining ways to increase investment, build industry skills, enhance AI expertise, and retrain workers.

Australia’s cautious approach

It further emphasized that specific regulations should only be introduced if current frameworks cannot accommodate them and when technology-neutral strategies prove unfeasible.

The ‘high stakes’ of AI

According to Daniel Popovski, AI policy and advocacy lead at the Governance Institute of Australia, the stakes are significant with the advent of ‘agentic AI’ — autonomous systems operating with minimal human input.

“There is vast potential for growth and development if the transition is effectively managed. The key is to ensure Australians are equipped and supported through these changes so that AI benefits people rather than hinders them,” he explained.

“Good governance should be human-centric. It should support organisations that adopt AI responsibly and make sure the gains flow to all workers,” Popovski said.

How the global landscape compares

The UK government has said it will consult the public on AI legislation and is aiming for a proportionate approach that works with existing laws, following its pro-innovation framework.