ACTU Demands Mandatory Employee Consultations on AI Integration
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has called for organisations to conduct mandatory consultations with employees before deploying new artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at work. Their proposal includes enforceable agreements addressing job security, skill retraining, and transparency around AI usage and data collection.
ACTU emphasizes that these agreements should be backed by a dedicated regulatory authority for AI and supported by a national Artificial Intelligence Act. This initiative is timed ahead of the federal government’s upcoming Economic Reform Roundtable, which will focus on productivity and budget sustainability.
Worker Involvement Key to Effective AI Implementation
Joseph Mitchell, ACTU assistant secretary, stressed that AI benefits depend on workers being well-trained and supported. He highlighted that the knowledge and skills of employees must be integrated into the AI adoption process to ensure successful outcomes.
Mitchell also proposed that organisations failing to implement such AI consultation processes should lose eligibility for government contracts and funding, including research and development incentives.
Government’s Position and AI Regulatory Developments
The federal government has yet to respond formally to ACTU’s demands. However, last year it introduced ten mandatory guardrails for AI use in high-risk sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and law enforcement. These measures included proposals for a new AI framework law, termed the Australian AI Act.
Alongside these proposals, the government launched a voluntary AI safety standard that underwent public consultation until October 2024.
In the 2024 federal budget, the government allocated $15.7 million over two years to develop AI policies, focusing on industry analytical capabilities and updating regulations in healthcare, consumer protection, and copyright law. Additionally, $21.6 million over four years was set aside to establish a reshaped National AI Centre.
What This Means for Government Employees
For those working in government, the ACTU’s push signals a growing expectation that AI deployment in public sector workplaces will involve clear, enforceable agreements with staff. This includes commitments to retraining and transparency, ensuring that AI tools support rather than undermine job security.
As AI policies evolve, staying informed and prepared for potential changes in workplace technology management will be essential. Government employees interested in expanding their AI knowledge and skills may find value in dedicated AI courses and certification programs. For example, Complete AI Training offers resources tailored to various skill levels and job roles.
- Mandatory employee consultations before AI adoption
- Enforceable agreements focusing on job security and retraining
- Support from a new AI regulatory authority and legislation
- Government funding linked to compliance with consultation requirements
- Ongoing government investment in AI policy and regulatory frameworks
Governments and organisations adopting AI technologies will need to balance innovation with responsible workforce management. Ensuring employees have a voice in this process is a critical step toward sustainable AI integration.
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