Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on how AI could force future cuts to HECS debts and work hours

The Conversation reports that Sally McManus, secretary of Australia's largest union federation, is stepping down at the end of this month after nine and a half years in the role. McManus flagged artificial intelligence as an economy-wide threat her successor will need to confront. If widespread AI job displacement occurs, she said unions will demand more than simple employer consultation — they'll push the federal government to consider shorter working hours for no loss of pay, expanded retraining programs, and forgiving HECS debts for those displaced by AI. She also singled out construction industry corruption, particularly in Victoria, as a systemic problem requiring government intervention. After stepping down, she plans to recover from cochlear implant surgery before deciding her next move.

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