Centre for Future Work
@futurework.bsky.social
The Centre for Future Work is an independent research centre conducting and publishing progressive economic and social research on work, employment, and labour markets.
Following the PM's July 15 announcement that Australia will adopt mandatory standards for regulation the use of AI, Dr Lisa Heap suggests 5 work-related commitments that should be included. futurework.org.au/news/five-wo... #AIRegulation #AIStandards #AIinAustralia #AIandWork #AI #AusPol
New research finds that the for-profit dominated market is at the heart of many of the ECEC system’s ongoing problems, and fails to consistently deliver safe, high-quality care to all children. futurework.org.au/report/the-r... #auspol #ECEC #Childcare #AusEcon #NotForProfit @unitedworkers.org.au
Australia’s private for-profit dominated childcare market is undermining the quality, safety and accessibility of early childhood education and care. Switching public funding to not-for-profit and government providers would deliver a $1.2 billion economic boost. futurework.org.au/news/ending-...
Ending for-profit dominance in childcare would deliver $1.2bn economic boost: new research – Centre for Future work
Australia’s childcare market is dominated by for-profit providers who are failing both children and the wider public.
futurework.org.au
'We are currently facing a critical disconnect: the consultation processes meant to protect workers are triggered far too late, occurring only after decisions to implement AI are already in motion.' Dr Maria Hameed Khan reflects on our AI symposium #AI #FutureOfWork futurework.org.au/news/its-imp...
It’s important to talk about AI and decent work – Centre for Future work
Work must be well-paid, dignified, and co-determined. If we allow AI adoption to continue unchecked, we risk reducing workers to mere inputs in a data-driven system.
futurework.org.au
The high road or the low road? @davidpeetz.bsky.social lays out why the reasons companies introduce AI – and whether workers have a voice in it – shape what happens to jobs, safety, and wellbeing; and what is needed in a framework for regulating AI at work. futurework.org.au/news/the-hig...
The high road, the low road – which approach to AI at work? – Centre for Future work
Those on the 'high road' anticipate employment gains and market share growth from AI; those on the ‘low road’ are expecting job losses and higher output with less labour.
futurework.org.au
Does AI increase productivity? Establishing the truth is complex, if not impossible. A/Prof Jake Goldenfein makes the case for evaluation measures as part of AI procurement decisions, and that workers should be involved in this ‘evaluation design’. #AI #FutureOfWork futurework.org.au/news/evaluat...
Evaluating AI at work: how would you know if productivity increases and cost cutting claims are true? – Centre for Future work
Does AI increase productivity? Establishing the truth is complex, if not impossible.
futurework.org.au
'There is a gap between what this new software is capable of doing, and what it is actually used for in the real world of employment and production.' Jim Stanford spoke to 7News about the slow of physical innovation vs the rapid rise of digital technology in Australia. 7news.com.au/news/experts...
Why AI has left other tech advancements in the dust
Still waiting for your flying car or robot butler? You’re not alone.
7news.com.au
Workers need a genuine say on how AI is adopted and implemented at work. Nicole McPherson from the FSU explains how AI is impacting workers in the finance sector, and makes the case for more effective rules around consultation with workers. futurework.org.au/news/an-indu... #FutureOfWork #AI
An industry at risk: giving finance workers a say on AI – Centre for Future work
We need to ensure the voice, and experience of workers is front and centre so that AI benefits everyone.
futurework.org.au
Australia is out of step with governments around the world in acting to prevent AI harms at work, writes Dr Fiona Macdonald. To build trust, the government will need to do more than taking a hands-off approach. #AIRegulation #FutureOfWork #ResponsibleAI futurework.org.au/news/governm...
Government light touch regulation: will it undermine Australians’ trust in AI? – Centre for Future work
Current plans and actions seem a far cry from what might be needed to achieve Australia’s early ambition.
futurework.org.au
“If there is a low minimum wage and workers are reliant on variable tips to earn a living this is not providing fair pay. Human labour cannot be treated as a commodity that changes price at the whim of the market.” #bclab
FIFA Puts a Spotlight on Tipping | The Tyee
As visitors from other countries poured into Vancouver bars and restaurants, some encountered an unfamiliar practice.
thetyee.ca
'Human labour cannot be treated as a commodity that changes price at the whim of the market.' With visitors to Canada for the FIFA World Cup navigating an unfamiliar tipping system, Dr Fiona Macdonald spoke to The Tyee in Canada about Australian hospitality wages. thetyee.ca/News/2026/07...
FIFA Puts a Spotlight on Tipping | The Tyee
As visitors from other countries poured into Vancouver bars and restaurants, some encountered an unfamiliar practice.
thetyee.ca
How do we maintain decent, human work in the era of AI? With almost 60% of Aussie workers monitored via algorithmic management, A/Prof Penny Williams says the main challenge isn’t the risk of new tech, it's the pace of change outstripping our capacity to respond. futurework.org.au/news/how-ai-...
How AI is changing work – Centre for Future work
The issue lies with a pace and scale of change so rapid that it is difficult for organisations and regulators to keep up.
futurework.org.au
More than half of Australian businesses are now using AI. Associate Professor Darryn Snell says the debate about whether AI creates or destroys jobs misses the real question: what about worker voice and rights? AI is, first and foremost, a tool of management. futurework.org.au/news/which-w...
Which Way Forward? AI and Decent Work symposium insights – Centre for Future work
Insights from the presenters at our recent symposium examining the impact of AI adoption in the world of work.
futurework.org.au
Following our April symposium on AI and decent work, we've published insights from our speakers – a diverse group of researchers, unionists, and advocates who came together to examine Australia's options for AI regulation in the workplace. futurework.org.au/news/which-w...
Which Way Forward? AI and Decent Work symposium insights – Centre for Future work
Insights from the presenters at our recent symposium examining the impact of AI adoption in the world of work.
futurework.org.au
JOB ALERT! We're currently searching for a senior researcher to join the Centre for Future Work team. The senior researcher will lead an ambitious research & policy project, focussing on promoting climate adaptation & export strategies that create quality jobs. futurework.org.au/news/job-ope...
Job opening: senior researcher – Centre for Future work
The Centre for Future Work is seeking a senior researcher to lead an ambitious research and policy project.
futurework.org.au
Minimum wage is rising by 6%, but a decade of wage stagnation means the damage to working people runs much deeper. Associate @shaunwilson.bsky.social examines what the 2026 wage decision means for workers, and why it's more complicated than the headlines suggest. futurework.org.au/news/the-ann...
The Annual Wage Review and the political economy of trust – Centre for Future work
Minimum wage is rising 6%, but a decade of wage stagnation means the damage to working people runs much deeper.
futurework.org.au
Great interview with the Centre's @davidpeetz.bsky.social about social class and voting for ABC Melbourne's The Conversation Hour – listen from the 3 minute mark 🎙️ www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
How much does social class determine who you vote for? - ABC listen
In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the connection between social class and the way we vote , and whether politicians have misunderstood the so called working class. Also in this edit...
abc.net.au
Class has always mattered, and now social democratic parties that sprung from a working class — including the Australian Labor Party – are finding out why. Read more from our Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow @davidpeetz.bsky.social, for the Conversation.
The Conversation AUNZ@aunz.theconversation.com · 2mo agoClass has always mattered. Now labour parties around the world are finding out why.
Q: How much has the number of people who see themselves as ‘working class’ fallen? A: Zilch. theconversation.com/politicians-...
Politicians have long misunderstood the ‘working class’. The rise of the far right shows how mistaken they have been
Class has always mattered, and now labour parties around the world are finding out why.
theconversation.com
CFW's @davidpeetz.bsky.social on the Fair Work Annual Wage Review: 'The FWC has clearly decided that it’s not going to let the real wages of low-paid award workers fall, by going for an increase that is pretty much the same as the RBA’s expectation for the June quarter inflation rate.'
Live: Pay boost for millions as 'wild card' war puts pressure on economy
Millions of workers will get the pay rise, after Fair Work raised modern award wages above the rate of inflation. Follow live.
abc.net.au
Are you interested in research and articles from the Centre of Future Work? Want to hear the latest news and updates from us? Sign up to our newsletter and we'll keep you in the loop on all of our latest work! mailchi.mp/futurework/c...
Centre for Future Work Newsletter
mailchi.mp
The International Court of Justice has decided that the right to strike is protected in a key international Convention, settling a long-running global dispute. But what does this decision mean for Australian workers? Dr Lisa Heap explains. futurework.org.au/news/top-int...
Top International Court recognises the right to strike – Centre for Future work
What does the International Court of Justice's decision on the right to strike mean for Australian workers?
futurework.org.au
Want to better understand the economic arguments shaping our workplaces, industries, and rights at work? Join our Economics for Unionists course in Melbourne this July! It's a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your impact. Find out more: atui.org.au/course/econo...
Economics for Unionists | Australian Trade Union Institute
This course will provide a grounding in the fundamentals of economic theory and policy from a unionist’s perspective.
atui.org.au
The focus on a fairer tax system for workers leaves out more than four million Australians on welfare, many living in poverty, writes Stephen Long. satpa.pe/fJiobpL
Is this an ambitious budget?
Jim Chalmers pitched his budget as risk-taking and ambitious – the question is whether it will reshape Australia’s future into one that is fairer and more promising.
satpa.pe
What’s the Budget *really* about? For the quick answer:
Centre for Future Work@futurework.bsky.social · 3mo agoWe've released our 2026–27 Budget Briefing, where we unpack what the Federal Budget really means for jobs, wages, living standards, and public services – and where it falls short for working people. Read our full analysis: futurework.org.au/report/budge...
Last night's Budget begins to tackle decades of rising inequality, as asset prices have outpaced wages and tax settings have favoured asset owners over workers. The spending side is less compelling. Great to be working with the team at @futurework.bsky.social
Centre for Future Work@futurework.bsky.social · 3mo agoWe've released our 2026–27 Budget Briefing, where we unpack what the Federal Budget really means for jobs, wages, living standards, and public services – and where it falls short for working people. Read our full analysis: futurework.org.au/report/budge...
We've released our 2026–27 Budget Briefing, where we unpack what the Federal Budget really means for jobs, wages, living standards, and public services – and where it falls short for working people. Read our full analysis: futurework.org.au/report/budge...
Budget briefing paper 2026–2027 – Centre for Future work
futurework.org.au
The Centre for Future Work is now a standalone research centre! After an excellent decade at @australiainstitute.org.au we're looking forward to continuing our work as an independent centre, conducting and publishing progressive economic and social research on work, employment, and labour markets.
Imperatives for greater productivity growth should not blind us to the risks AI poses. @drfionamac.bsky.social, Director of @futurework.org.au, joined the AI symposium organised by the ACTU today to discuss the need for strong regulation. Our submission: futurework.org.au/report/submi...
We need tax reform to stop intergenerational inequality. Sally McManus in today's Guardian www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The ultra-wealthy have exploited Australia’s tax system for too long. It’s time to ensure everyone pays their fair share | Sally McManus
When the very wealthy pay less tax than a bus driver or an aged care worker, something is very wrong
theguardian.com