AI, jobs and the future of work in Gippsland

In May, I joined Paul Strickland on 3BBR FM's West Gippsland Week to talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and what it might mean for jobs in the future.

One of the main points we discussed was that while AI is improving quickly, there is no need to panic.

AI can be a useful tool, but it is not perfect. Chatbots can sometimes give incorrect information or make mistakes. This is why human judgement is still important.

We spoke about a hotel in Japan that tried to use AI and robots for many customer service tasks. While the idea sounded good on paper, many jobs eventually needed people again. Customers still valued human interaction, problem-solving and empathy.

A good example is aviation. Modern aircraft can fly much of a journey using autopilot, but airlines still have trained pilots in the cockpit. Technology is great for helping with routine tasks, but human judgement is still needed when unexpected situations arise.

The future of work will likely be similar. AI will become another tool that people use, but many jobs will still need human skills.

My advice for job seekers is:

• Stay informed about new technology.

• Keep learning new skills.

• Be adaptable.

• Develop strong communication and people skills.

Instead of being alarmed by AI, we should be aware of the changes happening and prepare for them.

The good news is that there are still many opportunities available in Gippsland. Industries such as aged care, disability support and healthcare continue to need workers and are regularly hiring.

These roles rely heavily on communication, compassion and building relationships with people, qualities that are difficult to replace with technology.

Thank you to Paul Strickland and the team at 3BBR FM for the opportunity to discuss this topic.