Supporting the government's AI plan as a fair approach to technological change

The government's plan to address AI's impact on workers strikes a necessary balance between innovation and fairness. By boosting union bargaining power, it ensures that workers have a seat at the table when AI reshapes their jobs. This is not about slowing progress but about managing the transition responsibly. The proposed time dividend is a forward-thinking idea—sharing productivity gains from AI in the form of shorter working hours could improve quality of life and spread economic benefits more widely. Countries like Germany have experimented with reduced hours, showing it's feasible without harming productivity. For sectors facing rapid automation, such as manufacturing and administration, this plan provides a safety net and a pathway to adaptation. Unions, which represent millions of Australian workers, have long argued for a voice in technological change; this policy empowers them constructively. The focus on retraining also addresses the real concern that many workers lack the skills for the AI economy. While some businesses may balk at new bargaining rights, a stable and supported workforce ultimately benefits the entire economy. As AI transforms industries, Australia needs a plan that prioritizes human dignity alongside technical progress. This proposal is a credible start.