SYDNEY, 24 February – The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) welcomed the release of the Future of Work report by the House Standing Committee on Employment, Education, and Training. The report focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making (ADM) on Australian workplaces and incorporates several policy positions proposed by BCSDA in its official submission to the Committee.
BCSDA’s submission advocated for sustainable, ethical, and responsible AI deployment, emphasising strong regulatory safeguards, workforce training, and transparent data practices. The Future of Work report closely mirrors these themes, underscoring the importance of high-risk AI regulation, worker protections, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We welcome the report’s recognition of the importance of ethical AI, workforce engagement, and strong governance. While alignment with our recommendations is encouraging, it is crucial that implementation is done in a way that supports innovation, economic growth, and avoids undue regulatory burden on businesses—particularly SMEs,” said Andrew Petersen, CEO of BCSDA.
Key Areas of Alignment
High-Risk AI Regulation: Both BCSDA’s submission and the report call for stronger oversight of AI in hiring, promotions, and terminations, including mandatory audits and clear guardrails.
Workforce Training: The report’s recommendation for micro-credentials and digital skills training echoes BCSDA’s push for AI education initiatives and broad upskilling programs.
AI Transparency and Fairness: BCSDA’s stance on explainable AI and independent audits aligns with the report’s call for audits to prevent discrimination and bias.
Worker Protections: Both emphasise consulting workers before implementing AI-driven processes, strengthening privacy protections, and ensuring AI-based decisions do not infringe on employee rights.
Support for SMEs: BCSDA’s advocacy for financial incentives, subsidies, and mentorship for small businesses adopting AI matches the report’s guidance on providing clear regulations and expert support to SMEs.
BCSDA will continue working closely with policymakers to ensure the report’s recommendations are effectively implemented by advocating international best practices, advancing RegTech innovations, and promoting ESG integration, including encouraging Australia to adopt global standards and lessons learned from international AI frameworks. As AI adoption accelerates, it is essential to ensure that workers are not left behind. BCSDA is committed to supporting policies that foster upskilling, reskilling, and transition pathways for employees whose roles may be affected by automation, ensuring a future-ready workforce.
About BCSD Australia
The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to operationalising sustainable development practices among Australian businesses. BCSD Australia was established in Australia in 1991 and works with over 70 leading global businesses and other organisations to drive systemic transformation in key sectors, advocating for sustainable leadership and rewarding action through education, partnerships, and policy influence.
In 2014 the organisation was appointed Australia’s Network Partner for World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
BCSD Australia’s members believe that by integrating social and environmental impacts with financial results, business lowers its risk profile, makes better decisions and creates the solutions needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
BCSD Australia’s members include leading Australian businesses, from all sectors, who share a commitment to economic, environmental and social development. It represents member companies, public sector enterprises and institutions, BINGOs and community organisations, which in turn represent 120,000 + Australian employees. www.bcsda.org.au.
t: +61 (0)2 8005 0780
m: +61 (0)412 545 994
For further information contact: Andrew Petersen, CEO, Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, +61 412 545 994
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