Australia

This chapter explores the overall demographic, economic and key labour market challenges and opportunities within the Australian economy in the light of the trends associated with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impacts on the future of work. It addresses labour market challenges for the Australian economy, including the growth industries and social and demographic issues, prior to focusing on three key sectors – healthcare; information and communications technology (ICT); and tourism and hospitality. The chapter deals with a discussion of the key issues and implications of these trends and the related issues for governments, labour market planners and human resource practitioners. Two-thirds of current ICT workers currently in Australia are in technical, professional, management and operational roles, and 51% are employed in industries outside of ICT. In Australia, tourism and hospitality data are captured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics under the heading of ‘Accommodation and Food Services’ and is published in the Tourism Satellite Account.