Source: Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has publicly criticized a proposal by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) for a union-led regulatory regime for Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. The Ai Group, a major employer organization, argues that the ACTU's demands would severely stifle innovation, undermine productivity growth, and act as a "handbrake on progress" for the Australian economy. The statement comes in response to the union's push for new laws that would grant unions and employees significant power over how AI is implemented and used by businesses.

The Ai Group contends that while the risks of AI need to be managed, the ACTU's proposed approach is overly restrictive and would deter investment in crucial new technologies. The employer body advocates for a more balanced and collaborative approach to AI regulation, one that involves consultation between employers, employees, and government but does not give unions a veto over technological adoption. They emphasize that AI has the potential to create new jobs, improve safety, and boost efficiency, benefits that could be lost under a rigid, union-controlled system. The opposing views highlight the central debate in Australia over how to best govern AI in employment, balancing the need to protect workers' rights with the drive for economic innovation and competitiveness.