Albanese to Unveil Australia AI Rules Next Week as Report Flags 5.6% Growth in Exposed Jobs
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Albanese to Unveil Australia AI Rules Next Week as Report Flags 5.6% Growth in Exposed Jobs
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Summary
Next week, Anthony Albanese will set out updated AI regulation plans covering industry, the economy and safety guardrails, as Canberra faces pressure to address copyright, privacy, trust and workplace risks.
The push comes with a first national AI-employment report finding no broad labour-market upheaval so far, but showing AI-exposed occupations expanded just 5.6% from late 2022 to early 2026 versus 9.5% for the least-exposed roles.
Telemarketers, call-centre staff, accountants, clerks, receptionists and advertising workers were ranked among the most exposed because generative AI can automate routine cognitive tasks; tradespeople, carers, drivers, cleaners and gardeners were among the least exposed.
The report said higher-exposure jobs are more likely to be held by women and university graduates, while the government said it has not yet seen U.S.-style evidence of firms replacing graduate hiring with AI in Australian data.
Albanese also signaled a firm line on creators' rights, saying journalists should be paid if their work is used for profit, though officials indicated next week's package is unlikely to settle specific copyright changes.
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Overview
As of early 2026, Australia has chosen not to introduce standalone AI legislation, instead relying on existing laws, targeted reforms, and voluntary standards to regulate AI. This approach was formalized with the release of the National AI Plan in December 2025, which aims to encourage responsible AI adoption and strengthen institutions. However, this 'hands-off' strategy has sparked criticism from some leaders who worry it may overlook urgent AI risks. New privacy laws will soon require greater transparency in automated decision-making, impacting both Australian and international businesses, highlighting the country's evolving but cautious approach to AI governance.