The Albanese government may compel employers to provide technology training to protect employees against automation.

Labor is reportedly working on a strategy that revolves around shielding workers from the adverse impacts of AI. 

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is also advocating for the establishment of a regulatory body to monitor the effects of automation.

The potential regulation comes at a time of ongoing tensions between employers and the Albanese government regarding the forthcoming wave of industrial relations reforms. 

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke is set to unveil these reforms during a National Press Club address this week. 

Among the reforms are proposals for minimum rates for casual workers, “same job, same pay” principles for labour hire, and empowering the Fair Work Commission to determine rates for owner-drivers in the trucking industry. 

Additionally, the gig economy is to be regulated, with provisions aimed at enhancing conditions for workers classified as “employee-like”.

Separately, Mr Burke says the government is committed to exploring AI and ensuring that workers have opportunities to embrace this technology to prevent redundancies. 

He noted that the current practice involves waiting for employers to make significant changes, resulting in limited notice for affected employees. 

Mr Burke suggests that by proactively training workers to use AI before such changes occur, workplace continuity could be significantly improved.

Governments worldwide have grappled with the regulation of AI since OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT, which showcased the remarkable capabilities of generative AI.

Industry Minister Ed Husic has been seeking input from tech companies, experts, and various stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive, government-wide policy and regulatory response to AI. 

Tech giant Google has urged for copyright exceptions for data used in training machine-learning systems, warning of potential deterrents to talent and investment under the current system.