AI-driven technologies are becoming central to business strategies across Australian sectors, from healthcare to agriculture. As AI becomes more integrated into operations, its effect on productivity and workforce dynamics continues to expand. The Productivity Commission estimates that AI could add $116 billion to the national economy over the next ten years. While the economic benefits are significant, the risk of job displacement and social disruption remains, particularly as technology leaders warn of uncertain times ahead.
Some of Australia’s most trusted organisations are incorporating AI into essential services and internal systems. In healthcare, researchers at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute are using AI to detect cerebral palsy through smartphone video analysis, offering affordable support for rural families. Health tech start-up Heidi Health uses AI transcription tools to reduce administrative work for doctors. Services such as Amica and Safewill use AI to assist with complex legal processes including divorce settlements and will drafting at significantly reduced costs.
In the corporate sector, leading firms are using AI to enhance customer service and improve operations. Atlassian has integrated generative AI into its software to resolve internal queries and support functions, saving thousands of hours each year. Telstra uses AI tools to reduce average call times and improve service delivery. At the same time, the Commonwealth Bank’s AI-based fraud prevention systems have helped stop nearly $10 million in annual losses. Banks such as Westpac are trialling AI systems to detect duress during scam-related calls, adding a real-time security feature.
Environmental and cultural sectors are benefiting as well. Griffith University is working with rangers to catalogue Aboriginal rock art using AI, completing a task that was previously too time-consuming for large-scale efforts. In the Northern Territory, Charles Darwin University is using drone footage and AI to identify ghost nets, helping clean up more than 100 kilometres of coastline. In agriculture, Lyro Robotics has developed AI systems that sort vegetables by ripeness, improving accuracy and cutting waste on farms.
As companies move quickly to capitalise on AI, the outlook is both exciting and uncertain. The technology is expected to transform workflows, alter team structures and shape regulation across industries. While improvements in productivity, accuracy and equity are evident, Australia's ability to manage the human challenges of automation will ultimately define its success.
