What happens if AI transforms work faster than Australia can adapt?

In the first episode of Worth Knowing, Matt and Elliot explore what AI job disruption could mean for Australian workers, and why the unemployment rate may not tell us the full story.

The Caldera Institute’s AI Work Cliff modelling stress-tests a scenario in which 20 per cent of Australia’s AI-exposed workforce experiences job loss, reduced hours or income downgrading. The result: 1.08 million workers affected and $48.9 billion in household income at risk each year.

Most may remain “technically employed”, even as their incomes fall. Australia could enter a hollow boom: productivity, investment and GDP keep rising while the wage base supporting households quietly erodes underneath them.

AI will create opportunities as well as disruption, but the warning signals are lighting up the board. What should workers do now? And how do we make the transition planned and intentional?

Chapters ➡

00:00 Highlight Teaser
00:30 Introduction
00:45 The Impact of AI on Jobs
11:21 Understanding AI Job Disruption
17:22 Industry's Role in AI Transition
19:57 Navigating the Future of Work
23:14 The Upside of Disruption
24:37 Wrap Up

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