ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Panel 3: Empowering Australia's Workforce: Future of Work & Al-Augmented Workforce | National AI & Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2026
“I can do ten times more—but there are still only 24 hours in my day.”
Artificial intelligence promises greater productivity, but what does AI really mean for jobs, workplace burnout, human skills and the next generation of workers?
In this thought-provoking panel, Australian leaders explore the future of work and the rise of the AI-augmented workforce. They discuss whether AI will eliminate entry-level jobs, how young people will gain mentorship and experience, and why human skills may become even more valuable as technology advances.
The panel also reveals how AI is already helping care workers spend less time on screens and more time supporting the person in front of them—showing that the best use of AI may be to strengthen human connection rather than replace it.
Panelists:-
-Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, CEO, Future Skills Organisation;
-Paul Hubbard, Co-Head of Al CoLab & Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance;
-Doug Hammond, Chief Information Security Officer, Uniting
In this conversation:
• Will AI eliminate entry-level jobs?
• Who will mentor the next generation of workers?
• Why human skills are becoming more valuable
• How AI can reduce administration in healthcare and community care
• Why AI productivity can lead to mental exhaustion and burnout
• How organisations can introduce AI safely
• Why employees need space to experiment and learn
• The importance of AI literacy and lifelong learning
• How frontline workers can help design better technology
• What leaders misunderstand about workforce readiness
• How AI could transform government and public services
• Why Australia risks falling behind in AI adoption
AI is changing more than the tools we use—it is changing how we learn, lead, collaborate and find purpose in our work.
Do you believe AI will improve the human experience at work, or create more pressure and burnout? Share your perspective in the comments.
