A new report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) predicts that generative AI will significantly transform Australia’s workforce by 2050, automating much of the routine clerical and administrative work while enhancing high-skill professions. Using advanced economic modelling, the report assessed the potential impact of AI across 998 occupations, measuring both automation risk and augmentation potential. The findings reveal that only about 4% of the workforce is in jobs with high automation exposure, primarily routine roles such as general clerks, receptionists, accounting clerks, and bookkeepers. In contrast, 79% of occupations have low automation risk but high potential for augmentation—meaning AI will assist rather than replace workers. High-skill roles in management, engineering, healthcare, and education are expected to benefit most from AI as tools to boost productivity and decision-making. Meanwhile, the report forecasts the largest job declines in clerical, sales, marketing, and programming roles. Conversely, job growth is projected in areas requiring physical presence and human interaction, including cleaners, nurses, midwives, construction and mining laborers, and hospitality workers. The report notes that while employment growth may slow through the 2030s as the economy adjusts to AI integration, a rebound is expected in the 2040s. It also found no current evidence of a drop in entry-level hiring, though these roles are likely to evolve—shifting from performing repetitive tasks to supervising and refining AI-generated outputs. JSA stresses the importance of how AI is adopted, warning that the benefits of labor-augmenting tools depend heavily on implementation quality. The report calls on policymakers to act now with targeted upskilling programs, industry collaboration, and efforts to ensure digital inclusion—particularly for women, older Australians, First Nations peoples, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately at risk in automatable jobs. The findings reflect a broader global debate on AI’s impact on employment. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes AI will redefine knowledge work but still require human oversight. Others, like RethinkX’s Adam Dorr, predict most jobs could become obsolete by 2045, leaving only roles tied to human connection or ethical judgment. Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, has warned that AI could enable one person to do the work of ten. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sees AI as a driver of new jobs in robotics, while Bill Gates believes AI can help address critical shortages in healthcare and education.