Latest news with #BranBlack

ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Could half of entry level white collar jobs be wiped out in the next five years?
Business council of Australia chief executive Bran Black says the AI transition is changing roles, rather than replacing them.

ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
AI possibilities big for Australia
Isabella Higgins: Could Australia become a global leader in artificial intelligence? Well, the Business Council of Australia thinks so, with the right policy settings. A report released today provides a blueprint of what is needed to make that plan a reality. But not everyone is so optimistic. Unions are worried that AI without safeguards could see many Australians lose their jobs. Elizabeth Cramsie reports. Elizabeth Cramsie: Australia is a global leader when it comes to minerals and energy production. But by as soon as 2028, it also has the chance to lead the way in artificial intelligence. Bran Black: We've got a real focus on how we can go about improving skills, how we can go about sensibly approaching regulation, what we need to do to make sure that the right type of infrastructure is in place for the utilisation of AI, and then more broadly, what we can do to try and drive research and development activity in Australia. Elizabeth Cramsie: That's Bran Black, the Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, which has released a plan detailing how Australia could become an AI powerhouse. Bran Black: We're a safe economy, we've got secure property rights, the rule of law, etc., abundant space and natural resources. We think that data centre location is absolutely critical. We've got highly skilled researchers, and so we'd love to see Australia as a hub for research and development. Elizabeth Cramsie: The BCA says AI could hold the key to reigniting productivity growth, which it says is critical to higher living standards. The plan lists examples from intelligent logistics and streamlined services to freeing up healthcare workers from repetitive tasks. And if Australia succeeds, the economic boost could be huge. Bran Black: General projections are that it could lead to a GDP increase of anywhere between $150 billion to $600 billion for Australia each year by 2030. Elizabeth Cramsie: Toby Walsh is the Chief Scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales. Toby Walsh: The government is going to be focused on productivity, and here is a real productivity opportunity, and it sets out a detailed plan of how actually in the next three years they could achieve significant returns, as well as ensuring that it's done in a responsible way. Elizabeth Cramsie: And Toby Walsh says while it's an ambitious timeline, AI developments are coming fast. Toby Walsh: But we need to make those investments now, otherwise we won't have that infrastructure. Similarly, the skills piece, there's a big section of the report devoted to skills, and that is investing in our future. Elizabeth Cramsie: Many parts of the Australian economy are already using AI. A good example is the mining sector, which uses automated trucks and trains. But some fear there could be unrealised downsides to such a rapid shift in technologies. Joseph Mitchell is the Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Joseph Mitchell: Workplace surveillance has been turbocharged by AI, tracking when and where people go to the toilet. Elizabeth Cramsie: Joseph Mitchell says unions support innovation and productivity gains, but it cannot come at the cost of workers. Joseph Mitchell: What we need to guard against is the really malicious cases, or the cases where the benefit only goes to overseas big tech companies. Elizabeth Cramsie: One of the plan's proposals is for AI courses to be introduced into schools and university courses, and a national institute dedicated to best practice for the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Isabella Higgins: Elizabeth Cramsie there.


The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Big business wants AI to do 'boring but essential' work
Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes. Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes. Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes. Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes.


West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Big business wants AI to do 'boring but essential' work
Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes.


Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Big business wants AI to do 'boring but essential' work
Big business wants artificial intelligence to handle more "boring but essential" jobs as part of a race to establish Australia as a global leader in the technology and avoid decades of playing catch-up. AI is a significant opportunity to boost living standards and the nation's "next big lever for economic growth" according to Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. "If we get this right, AI can deliver a significant productivity boost and that means higher real wages and more opportunities for more Australians. "The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind." The council on Monday released a report aiming to accelerate Australia's AI agenda, with a plan to boost innovation and address stagnating productivity. It recommends "clear, practical and risk-based" regulations be developed, as well as the establishment of new research centres and partnerships and a simplified approval process for data centres to speed infrastructure development. Specialist training for data scientists and engineers needs expanding and workers need education for how to use the technology to improve "the day-to-day work experience", with courses a part of primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. "Even if we apply AI to just the 'boring but essential' parts of our economy - like payroll processing or document analysis - the dividends to consumers and businesses could be significant," Mr Black said. It could free people up to do more creative and collaborative work that machines can't. The change will be disruptive and a challenge for many, requiring safeguards such as the council's recommended safety institute to focus on technical guardrails. But it's hoped Australia could become a hub for artificial intelligence, leveraging a highly-educated workforce, a stable democracy and the potential of abundant renewable energy in the future, along with its research institutions and international intelligence sharing deals. The council wants the focus to be on opportunity, rather than a "fear-first" mindset, but acknowledges the power that makes AI so promising also raises legitimate questions about its responsible and safe use. It's up to industry and the government to strengthen public trust in AI technology, the report says. "We believe AI can augment human capabilities, create new kinds of jobs, and make existing ones more rewarding and less burdensome." "But achieving this positive future requires deliberate choices and concerted action," the report notes.