ACT Assembly Approves AI Workforce Transition Policy, Aligning Canberra With Sydney and Melbourne Frameworks

The ACT Legislative Assembly passed the AI Workforce Transition Policy on 7 July with an 18-7 vote, directing all territory agencies to map positions vulnerable to automation and allocate dedicated training budgets within the next financial year.

The measure responds to national findings that women and university graduates face elevated exposure in administrative and professional roles, prompting local action ahead of further federal guidance expected later this year.

Comparison with Other Cities

Under the policy Canberra will adopt the same classification system used by the City of Sydney and the City of Melbourne since early 2025, where agencies must publish annual automation risk assessments and ring-fence at least 1.5 per cent of relevant payroll for reskilling. Brisbane and Perth have introduced similar reporting requirements but have not yet tied them to protected budget lines.

For Canberra residents the change affects daily interactions with Services ACT, Access Canberra and the Revenue Office, where staff handling applications, licensing and payments will receive priority access to the new training programs. Public servants living in Belconnen and Gungahlin, who make up the bulk of the territory workforce, will be first in line for the courses.

The 2025-26 ACT Budget papers list $4.8 million over three years for digital capability programs, a figure drawn directly from the line item for workforce adaptation within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate.

Agencies must submit their first risk assessments to the Assembly by 30 November, after which the government says the policy will begin rolling out training places from 1 January 2027.