The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ analysis of AI’s impact on the workplace found the national labour market remains strong by historical standards, with workforce participation near a record high.
The AI and Employment in Australia report found that since 2022, when generative AI tools such as ChatGPT became widely available, job growth for young people and graduates has remained resilient. As of May 2026, Australia’s unemployment rate was 4.4%.
In fact, employment among workers aged 20 to 24 has grown slightly faster than for those aged 25 and over during this period.
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government was determined to ensure AI is harnessed to create good jobs, rather than threaten them.
“AI is changing how we work, but it also has real potential to lift productivity, build skills, and create new opportunities,” Rishworth said.
“Artificial intelligence could yet reshape the jobs market in Australia, but this report shows that labour market conditions remain strong by historical standards, youth outcomes have mostly held up, and occupational reshuffling has not accelerated.”
Despite finding no major disruption to the domestic labour market, the report noted that the gradual shift may signal the beginning of longer-term changes.
The evidence suggests Australia’s experience has not mirrored the AI-related job cuts seen across the global technology sector. Instead, employment in local software development roles has grown by 25% since November 2022.
However, employment in Australia’s clerical and administrative occupations, which are considered more exposed to AI, has grown more slowly than in roles regarded as less exposed.
“[The government] will continue to make sure Australians are supported through this change, with the skills, training, and pathways needed to adapt and benefit,” Rishworth added.
The analysis also found employment in the occupations most exposed to AI grew by 5.6% since November 2022, compared with 9.5% for occupations considered the “least exposed”.
- This story first appeared on The Mandarin. You can read the original here.
