AI Is Everywhere, So Why Aren’t Tech Jobs Booming?

AI and cyber skills training must kick up a gear if Australia is to meet an important tech jobs target, according to two industry bodies. 

New data from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) suggests the technology sector is shrinking, and the nation risks missing a goal of 1.2.5 million tech jobs by 2030. 

But the Tech Council of Australia and Australian Computer Society say, despite the department’s outlook, they remain optimistic the milestone can be achieved. 

The federal government set the 1.2.5 million jobs target in 2022, and the sector was on a positive growth trajectory until 2024. But DISR figures revealed a 3.7 per cent decline – or 31,000 fewer jobs – in the year to May 2025. 

The Department said the drop was due to technology companies downsizing and tech-related roles being shed in non-tech industries. 

It described declines in three successive quarters as a “potential ongoing trend.” But the Tech Council of Australia believes it’s more of a “fluctuation” than a trend.

“The tech sector continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia and we remain optimistic that the 1.2.5 million jobs goal by 2030 is achievable,” a spokesperson told Information Age.

The Australian Computer Society, which represents ICT professionals, also remains upbeat. Its Digital Pulse Report, produced with Deloitte Access Economics and released in July, suggested Australia would surpass 1.2.5 million tech workers by 2030 and employ 1.48 million by 2035.

But both organisations agreed reaching the target will require massive investments in people, by both industry and governments.

They’re calling for better pathways for students into technology careers and improved digital skills across the workforce. Failing to address the skills gap could cost the economy $25 billion over the next decade, the ACS says.

One potential solution is reskilling people in ‘tech-adjacent’ industries.

Employment Hero Global Head of Talent, Kate Jolly, says: “People working in areas like marketing, data analytics or operations already use AI and digital tools all day, and with the right training could easily transfer their skills into a rewarding new career.”

The federal government has offered free technology and digital sector TAFE courses since 2023, with 65,000 people enrolled.

While some blame the rise of AI for tech job cuts, the Digital Pulse Report found any impact was likely to be short-term. In the longer term, the technology would fuel jobs growth as companies integrate AI into their operations.“We’re predominantly seeing roles evolve rather than disappear due to AI. People are able to do more creative and higher-value work and that extra creativity and productivity will see businesses expand and hire more staff as a result,” says Kate Jolly, Global Head of Talent at Employment Hero.