Generational divides, security fears and a lack of training: AI usage in Australia

Over half (68 per cent) of Australian workers now use AI, a survey by EY found, but many (72 per cent) feared breaching data or regulatory rules.

“There’s a trust crisis unfolding in Australian workplaces. Workers are enthusiastic about AI and are benefiting from immediate productivity gains, yet lack confidence as leadership are not providing clear guidance, training or support,” Katherine Boiciuc, EY regional chief technology and innovation officer, Oceania, said.

“The findings of our latest research reveal the importance of adopting a human-centric approach towards AI in the workplace and how this can help build trust and confidence, rather than causing concern.”

EY’s survey revealed a desire for greater workplace training surrounding AI tools. Half of workers (54 per cent) admitted they were not confident using AI in their work, while 66 per cent said they wanted their employer to provide more formal training.

The top areas where workers desired training included basic AI interactions, crafting effective prompts, ethical AI usage, utilising simple AI agents and continuous learning.

Some employers had also banned AI usage outright, the survey found. A quarter (26 per cent) of Australian workers who used a computer in their daily roles were not permitted to use AI tools by their employers.

The survey also revealed stark generational divides in AI proficiency.

Gen Z were the most confident in their AI usage, reporting proficiency of 46 per cent, followed by Millennials (37 per cent), Gen X (25 per cent) and Baby Boomers (18 per cent).

Generative text platforms such as ChatGPT were the most popular among Australian workers (40 per cent), EY found. Research, admin and work planning were the most common AI use cases.

AI was already delivering productivity gains for daily users, EY said. Almost a third (30 per cent) of daily users reported that it saved them four or more hours per week, but only 26 per cent of workers used AI daily.

More hands-on AI training, peer learning and visible leadership support could boost AI uptake and confidence across the workforce, EY suggested.

“Workers want to use AI and are already showing signs of unlocking productivity. The reality is that change won’t come from just offering training, it’s about changing the culture,” Boiciuc said.

“Leaders must go beyond formal training and foster a culture of experimentation, learning and AI fluency.”

While AI has the capacity to boost productivity, the Tax Institute has reminded practitioners to maintain ethical standards and oversight when utilising AI tools.

“You are still absolutely responsible for the work that AI produces, and also you need to be very careful around maintaining client confidentiality when you’re using AI tools,” Tim Sandow, president of The Tax Institute, told Accounting Times.

“Whether it’s AI that’s doing the work, or whether it’s another staff member that’s doing the work, under the TASA Code of Professional Conduct, it’s always the tax agent who’s responsible.”