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Women and university graduates in Australia most at risk of losing jobs to AI, report finds

Published July 8, 2026 at 6:49 PM UTC

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A recent Australian government report has highlighted that women and university graduates are particularly vulnerable to job displacement due to artificial intelligence (AI). The study, titled "AI and Employment in Australia," identifies several professions at high risk, including clerks, retail managers, software programmers, accountants, receptionists, and advertising and marketing professionals. These roles are predominantly filled by individuals with university qualifications and are more commonly occupied by women. Conversely, occupations deemed least exposed to AI displacement are those requiring lower levels of university education and higher levels of vocational training, such as tradespeople and aged care workers. The report emphasizes that routine cognitive jobs are most susceptible to automation by generative AI. While AI has not yet caused widespread job losses, the government acknowledges the potential for significant impact on the labor market. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth stated that the government is committed to ensuring AI is harnessed to create good jobs and is focused on providing Australians with the skills, training, and pathways needed to adapt and benefit from technological advancements. The report also notes that occupations more exposed to potential automation by AI are experiencing slower employment growth compared to less exposed roles. Between late 2022 and early 2026, employment in the least-exposed jobs grew by 9.5%, while growth in the most-exposed roles increased by only 5.6%. This suggests a small negative relationship between AI exposure and employment growth. The government is under pressure to outline its responses to AI-related concerns in various areas, including copyright, privacy, health, industry, trust and safety, and workplace relations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to provide an overview of the government's plans on AI in the coming weeks.