AI Transformation Leads to Job Cuts in Australia: A Closer Look

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Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - Today's Paper. Newcastle Herald's complete view of propertyHome/News/NationalWhy AI's beginning doesn't mean the end of your careerBy Adrian BlackUpdated March 8 2026 - 9:03am, first published 9:00amBy Adrian BlackUpdated March 8 2026 - 9:03am, first published 9:00amSaveShareOne in three Australians believe their job prospects have worsened due to AI. Photo: Rounak Amini/AAP PHOTOSNatalie MacDonald was six weeks back from maternity leave when a group email landed at 1am saying she'd been made redundant. All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinueAfter seven years at global tech company LinkedIn, the 36-year-old Sydney mum's role as a senior news editor was one of many scrapped as the organisation leaned into artificial intelligence investment. Australian-headquartered companies have flagged similar cuts. Logistics technology provider WiseTech will slash 2000 roles as part of its AI transformation, while Commonwealth Bank and Telstra have announced hundreds of roles will go. Roughly one in three Australians are worried they will lose their job to AI in the next five years, according to research by Ranstad. Natalie MacDonald turned to consulting after her role was terminated in favour of AI. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)When the bad news hit Ms McDonald's inbox in May 2025, she was in a good place in herself. "People talk about the multiple stages of grief you go through when you are made redundant and I fortunately never had that bit of shame attached," she tells AAP. "I was always really confident in the fact I was good at my job, the work I did aligned with my values, I had left nothing on the table." She set about leveraging her 35,000 LinkedIn followers and 115,000 newsletter subscribers to launch Working @ It. The consultancy helps organisations and leaders with brand narrative and messaging, and supports individuals to future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world. Since launching the company in August, Ms MacDonald has helped over 200 people through workshops or one-on-one training. She's appeared on podcasts and supported clients from PR firms, to political leaders and athletes. People who lose their job but have given their best should be confident it isn't their fault, she says. "This wasn't about you; you are one cog in a big machine. One in three Australians are worried they will lose their job to AI in the next five years (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)Ms MacDonald recommends employees attend industry events and conferences to get a sense of what leaders think are the future skills they'll need. It is also crucial to continue building professional networks. "It's that network that is potentially going to connect you with your next role," Ms MacDonald says. "So, recognising that idea of controlling the things that you can control and the knowledge you're taking, on and how you demonstrate your own expertise outwardly." Humans have several advantages over AI, such as strategic thinking, culture-setting and asking follow-up questions.