Federal government releases draft guide for workplace AI adoption

The federal government has issued a draft best-practice guide aimed at helping Australian employers introduce artificial intelligence tools in partnership with their staff.

Released on 12 November 2026 by Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth, the guide sets out a framework for businesses managing workforce changes brought about by automation and AI systems. Rishworth stated that AI delivers the best results when workers remain central to how tools are introduced, and that the guidance offers employers a clear path to collaborate with their staff on new technology.

The document was developed through roundtables involving unions, industry groups, academics, small businesses and major companies such as Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra, Kmart, Blackmores and Ramsay Health Care.

The core framework

The guide organises workplace AI adoption around three overarching stages: Plan, Enable and Embed. Within those areas, it sets out eight practical principles:

• Spotting commercial opportunities where automation adds clear value.
• Finding specific use cases and assessing if the organisation is prepared.
• Engaging staff early through open discussion and joint planning.
• Redesigning jobs and tasks so humans and software work together effectively.
• Investing in training to build practical skills across the team.
• Guiding staff through workflow changes with clear communication.
• Setting up governance rules so software use remains auditable.
• Managing safety and health risks before systems enter daily use.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has opened public consultation on the draft document through its website, with submissions accepted until 27 January 2027.

What this means for Australian businesses

For small and medium enterprise owners, the guide signals where workplace relations policy is heading. Rather than treating AI adoption strictly as an IT choice, the framework treats it as an operational and staffing issue that directly affects workplace health, safety and employee consultation.

Business owners can take three practical steps right away:

• Involve your staff before buying software. Discussing time-consuming admin tasks with your team first avoids purchasing software that staff resist or quietly work around.
• Define allowed uses clearly. Outline which tools employees can use, what business data can be entered, and who reviews the final output before it goes to a client or supplier.
• Review the draft and give feedback. Because public feedback runs until 27 January 2027, small business owners have a direct opportunity to tell the department what rules make practical sense for smaller teams.