Centre for Future Work

27/07/2026

Following the PM's July 15 announcement that Australia will adopt mandatory standards for regulating the use of AI, Dr Lisa Heap suggests 5 work-related commitments that should be included.

https://futurework.org.au/news/five-work-related-commitments-the-pm-should-include-in-his-mandatory-ai-standards/

Promoting AI innovation must not overshadow the need for decent jobs and fairness at work – now and in the future.

22/07/2026

A new report from the Centre for Future Work has found that Australia’s private for-profit dominated childcare market is undermining the quality, safety and accessibility of early childhood education and care (ECEC) – and that switching public funding to not-for-profit and government providers would deliver a $1.2 billion economic boost.

'The real cost of profit: markets and profit in early childhood education and care', authored by Fiona Macdonald with economic modelling from Matt Saunders, examines the market basis of Australia’s ECEC system and the role of private for-profit providers, who deliver the majority of largely publicly funded childcare services. It finds that the for-profit dominated market is at the heart of many of the system’s ongoing problems, and fails to consistently deliver safe, high-quality care to all children.

https://futurework.org.au/news/ending-for-profit-dominance-in-childcare/

United Workers Union

Australia’s childcare market is dominated by for-profit providers who are failing both children and the wider public.

21/07/2026

'We are currently facing a critical disconnect: the consultation processes meant to protect workers are triggered far too late, occurring only after decisions to implement AI are already in motion.'

Dr Maria Hameed Khan reflects on the important themes discussed at the AI symposium convened by the Centre of Future Work and the RMIT University Business and Human Rights Centre.

Work must be well-paid, dignified, and co-determined. If we allow AI adoption to continue unchecked, we risk reducing workers to mere inputs in a data-driven system.

16/07/2026

Is AI at work about growing a business, or just cutting jobs?
Emeritus Professor David Peetz looks at the difference between businesses taking the 'high road' with AI (aiming to grow and improve their products) and those on the 'low road' (aiming to do more with fewer workers).
He argues that whether workers get a say in how AI is introduced makes a real difference to safety, wellbeing and job quality, and examines what would be needed in a framework for regulating AI in Australian workplaces.
https://futurework.org.au/news/the-high-road-the-low-road-which-approach-to-ai-at-work/

Those on the 'high road' anticipate employment gains and market share growth from AI; those on the ‘low road’ are expecting job losses and higher output with less labour.

14/07/2026

'There is a gap between what this new software is capable of doing, and what it is actually used for in the real world of employment and production.' Jim Stanford spoke to 7News about the slow of physical innovation vs the rapid rise of digital technology in Australia.

Still waiting for your flying car or robot butler? You’re not alone. Details below.

13/07/2026

FSU Assistant National Secretary Nicole McPherson draws on findings from our AI in the Finance Sector: The Worker Perspective report to explore how AI is reshaping finance workplaces and why workers need a genuine say in how it's introduced. Read her latest article for the Centre for Future Work via the link in the comments.

13/07/2026

Workers need a genuine say on how AI is adopted and implemented at work. Assistant National Secretary of the Finance Sector Union of Australia, Nicole McPherson, explains how AI is impacting workers in the finance sector, and makes the case for more effective rules around consultation with workers.

https://futurework.org.au/news/an-industry-at-risk-giving-finance-workers-a-say-on-ai/

We need to ensure the voice, and experience of workers is front and centre so that AI benefits everyone.

09/07/2026

Australia is out of step with governments around the world that are responding to prevent AI harms in the workplace, writes Dr Fiona Macdonald. She argues that for Australia to build the trust that is seen as critical to ‘winning’ in the AI era, the government will need to do more than taking a hands off approach to regulation.
https://futurework.org.au/news/government-light-touch-regulation-will-it-undermine-australians-trust-in-ai/

Current plans and actions seem a far cry from what might be needed to achieve Australia’s early ambition.

08/07/2026

'Human labour cannot be treated as a commodity that changes price at the whim of the market.' Policy Director Dr Fiona Macdonald spoke to Canada's The Tyee about the differences between hospitality wages in Canada and Australia, prompted by the influx of visitors for the FIFA World Cup who are navigating an unfamiliar tipping system.

As visitors from other countries poured into Vancouver bars and restaurants, some encountered an unfamiliar practice.