Is expertise dying? How Australians are adapting to AI in the workplace

The rise of generative AI

In under two years, generative AI has transformed from a quirky novelty into an essential work tool. What once seemed like a tech experiment is now integrated into daily professional routines across many industries in Australia. Employees are learning to leverage AI for everything from data analysis to creative writing, reshaping traditional skill sets.

The shifting value of expertise

A new national survey reveals a growing perception that AI is eroding the value of human expertise. Many employees worry that automated systems will replace their judgment or experience. At the same time, others see AI as a tool that enhances their performance rather than a threat. The balance between human knowledge and machine assistance is becoming a key issue across workplaces.

“AI can provide answers fast, but it can’t always assess context or ethics,” one respondent noted, underscoring the need for critical human insight alongside technology.

Mixed reactions in Australian workplaces

According to the survey, more than half of respondents admitted to using AI at work at least once a week. Younger professionals tend to embrace these tools more readily, while older workers express caution about their reliability and ethical use. Some employees feel pressure to appear competent with AI technologies to stay relevant in competitive job markets.

Employers, meanwhile, are struggling to decide how to balance efficiency gains with concerns about data privacy, job displacement, and loss of authentic expertise. Many companies now offer AI training programs to build digital literacy while redefining roles for the human-AI partnership.

The future of work and expertise

Experts predict that AI will not replace professionals entirely but instead change what “expertise” means. Human soft skills—like empathy, problem framing, and moral reasoning—will become more valuable. The challenge is not resisting technological change but learning to collaborate with it effectively.

“Automation won’t eliminate human work; it will elevate the kind of work we value most,” said one technology analyst.

Author’s summary: Generative AI is reshaping Australian workplaces by redefining expertise, prompting workers to balance machine efficiency with human insight and ethical reasoning.

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Daily Telegraph Daily Telegraph — 2025-11-28

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