How to prepare for our working future today

We’ve been hearing it for years that robots are coming for our jobs, and that had led to an understandable fear of automation in the workplace, but not so, according to Ed Husic, Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation.

“This needs to be a wider discussion in the community, and it can’t be one that’s just proven from a perspective of fear,” Husic said.

“I think people are a lot more comfortable if they know people in positions of responsibility, and not just in the world of politics but in business as well. Responding to the many concerns that are legitimately raised by many unions on the issue, and not that technology’s going to be good for profits, bad for jobs. It should be good for both.

“And I don’t think that’s pie in the sky. I think that can be achievable.”

Speaking with On the Job, Husic outlined where employment opportunities may arise in the short-term, including blockchain, cryptocurrency and electronic vehicles.

“I did earlier in the year ask the question, why aren’t we building electronic vehicles in Australia? If you look at electronic vehicles, and compare them to international combustion engines, the complexity is completely different … we’ve got some sort of muscle memory of car manufacturing in this country … so we should, in terms of renewable energy be looking at battery manufacturing.”

While the opportunity is there, Husic says the Morrison Government is unwilling to commit to it.

“They can talk about manufacturing now, but they’ve neglected it for the bulk of their time in office.

“They don’t have the heart for this, they don’t believe in Australian manufacturing, they see it as a political line to be expressed, but not something as policy that should be pursued wholeheartedly.

“This really does need to be pursued with some gusto because it will provide jobs for a wide range of people.”

Listen to the full interview and make your working life better by subscribing to the podcast On the Job with Francis Leach & Sally Rugg.