Labor and the Coalition are poised to take a reckless gamble on AI. Haven’t they realised community support has collapsed? | Edward Santow and Sarah Sacher

Australian workers anticipate that their government should take action to safeguard them from potential harms posed by artificial intelligence. A clear reform solution is available, as outlined in the new political communication from the Australian media outlet. The major political parties, namely Labor and the Coalition, are gradually moving towards shared agreement regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with AI.

However, as these parties approach consensus, the Australian public is distancing itself from the issue. A recent survey reveals that just 30% of Australians believe that the advantages of AI outweigh the associated risks, and this trust in AI continues to decline in 2026.

The formation of a joint select committee on AI within the Australian parliament signifies an unprecedented level of concern for the decisions being made concerning data centers and AI adoption. These decisions are expected to have long-lasting impacts on the economy, environment, and society for generations to come. As the committee begins its fresh round of hearings, it must address the significant disparity between the political rhetoric surrounding AI and the actual experiences of the Australian community.

Some business sectors advocate for prioritizing innovation and AI adoption, which often translates to pushing for better marketing of AI's potential benefits. This approach can be detrimental to public perception, especially when AI is already contributing to both opportunities and harm in society. Despite the existence of advantages, Australians are wary of elected representatives advocating for AI without addressing its inherent risks.

The report "Drawing the Line" highlights the growing surveillance enabled by AI, which poses a real threat to workers' rights. Through the analysis of various sectors, such as supermarkets, remote work, and rideshare services, the report exposes the prevalence of AI-powered surveillance tools that violate workers' privacy and safety. Workers are subjected to intrusive monitoring, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and potential injury or harm.

For instance, supermarket workers are pressured to achieve AI-generated productivity metrics, putting them at risk of workplace accidents and fatigue. Remote workers face intrusive software that records their conversations with family members, while rideshare drivers can have their accounts deactivated due to unrelated road conditions and customer complaints. These issues arise from AI-powered surveillance tools that infiltrate workplaces and homes, often without proper legal safeguards or worker protection.

The problem of AI-driven surveillance can be addressed through straightforward law reform, updating the Fair Work Act to require "fair and reasonable" monitoring practices. This solution aligns with the government's commitment to ensure fair handling of personal information under the Privacy Act. It is crucial for Australian workers to expect their government to act in safeguarding them from AI-related harms, as there is a clear reform solution available at present.