Previous disruptions show Australian workers can withstand AI

Australia’s economy is leading the way in the face of technological challenges, giving one minister confidence that this will be the case with the rollout of artificial intelligence.

While there are real risks to jobs and workforce disruptions from AI, some of which are already happening, there is also upside potential, Assistant Federal Treasurer Dan Mulino said Monday.

For example, Mr Mulino suggested Australians could see the creation of large numbers of jobs that require empathy and human connection.

“I would just say that there are real risks when it comes to AI and workforce, and we will see job losses in certain companies and certain sectors,” he told an Australian Financial Review summit in Sydney.

“But let’s not forget the potential for upside, as we’ve seen in the past.”

Previous waves of mechanization or technological change…