A recent study by ServiceNow, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, has highlighted significant concerns among Australians regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. The research indicates that six in ten Australians fear job loss due to AI, marking the highest level of concern globally. The study suggests that approximately 670,000 Australian roles could be automated by 2030.

The research, which surveyed 4,473 senior leaders worldwide, including 560 from Australia, further reveals a decline in the country’s AI readiness. According to ServiceNow’s AI Maturity Index, Australia’s readiness has decreased by 10 points over the past year. Only 37% of Australian organisations reportedly possess the necessary skills and talent to implement AI plans effectively. Additionally, only 33% of organisations have articulated a clear AI vision, while 43% have formalised data governance.

ServiceNow’s Employee Experience Director for APAC, Danielle Magnusson, said: “Our nation is at a tipping point and without immediate action, weak AI strategies and talent shortfalls could derail Australia’s productivity ambitions… But for those with strong leadership, an enterprise-wide AI platform, and an upskilling agenda, AI offers a clear path to smarter, faster, more resilient business.”

The study also highlights a gap in skills mapping, with 71% of business leaders yet to identify the skills required to operationalise an AI strategy. Despite these challenges, Australia’s tech workforce is projected to grow by 37% by 2030, adding 150,000 new technology roles. In comparison, India’s tech workforce is expected to grow by 95% over the same period.

Manager of DevOps and Regional Apps at Orica, Bradley Hunt, said: “Our deflection rate has gone from 18% to 94%, which is just a massive increase… We are speeding up the average resolution time by more than a day, freeing up our team to do more strategic tasks.”