ASU Welcomes National AI Plan, Calls for ‘Digital Just Transition’ to Build Strong Future for Workers
ASU Media Release 02/12/2026
The Australian Services Union (ASU) welcomes the Albanese Government’s release of the national AI plan today. The plan is an important first step, but more is required to build a future where all workers will benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We applaud the focus on safety, skills and growing Australian jobs in this AI plan” said Emeline Gaske, National Secretary of the Australian Services “but we need to go further to ensure worker’s rights are protected and that safeguards are put in place so that all Australians can benefit from this new technology.”
The ASU is calling for a ‘Digital Just Transition’ that will provide workers with the support needed to benefit from the adoption of AI across the economy.
“We’re already supporting energy workers through a Just Transition to help those impacted by the transition to net zero. We need a ‘Digital Just Transition’ that will do the same for AI.
“This means turning the high-level commitments in the national plan into concrete, enforceable rights on the ground.
“We need to see an investment that ensures workers get the skills they need for the office jobs of the future.
The government’s national plan provides a strong foundation, but the speed of technological change requires immediate, practical measures in our workplaces.
In a survey of ASU members earlier this year, 80% of members told us that they have a basic to intermediate knowledge of AI, but 65% of members said they were unsure about the potential impact of the technology on their job.
“The government needs to ensure that it translates its plan into actions that help all workers benefit from the rollout of AI,” Ms Gaske said.
“Without action, there is a risk that the benefits of AI will all flow to employers, while workers are left with the displacement and stress. We need to see clear steps taken to ensure this doesn’t happen.”
To make this transition a reality for our members and all Australian workers, the ASU is calling on the Government to embed the principles of our 5-Point Plan in their national AI plan:
1. Equitable Access to AI and Digital Tools – All workers need access to AI tools that make their jobs better. This means using technology to reduce burdensome tasks and improve satisfaction, not to ramp up workloads or monitor workers unfairly.
2. Universal and Accessible Training for the Jobs of the Future – Government and employers must team up to fund a huge, national training program. The focus should be on AI literacy, digital skills, and career transition support to get our workforce future ready.
3. Worker Voice and Strong Safeguards – Workers must be at the centre of AI implementation and involved at every step. Clear guardrails are essential to ensure AI is a tool that helps—not replaces—employees, while also protecting against bias, securing data, and limiting its environmental footprint.
4. Valuing Essential Skills – When AI handles the routine work, human skills like judgement and teamwork become more valuable. These skills must be properly recognised and rewarded, which means updating award classifications to ensure fair pay for the future.
5. Sharing the Productivity Dividend – Workers must receive a fair share of the productivity gains from AI. This means giving workers their time back – shorter work weeks, more time for life, family, and care.
