Would a robot make a better PM than a human?

The Federal Government could look drastically different in the not too distant future

Would a robot make a better PM than a human?

Australia might have just elected a new Prime Minister and cabinet, but the Federal Government could evolve even more in the not too distant future.

A new survey of 1,000 Australians found that 40% predict AI will enter government within five years.

Moreover, 27% of Australians believe AI would make better decisions than elected government representatives, according to the research by OpenText.

This is based on the belief that technologies can help to change the speed, reliability and quality of government outcomes, and can assist in a more robust public service to help meet citizens’ needs.

The respondents also recognised the value of intelligent automation in reducing waiting times, admin and errors within the public sector. Consequently, the majority (56%) are convinced that the Government will work with robots within 10 years.

This is higher than the USA (where only 38% think this will occur in the next 10 years) but contrasts to the Netherlands; where 73% believe robots will be in the public sector within the next 10 years.

The research also found:

  • More than one in three (39%) Australians are ready to work alongside a robot
  • 25% would encourage their employer to leverage robots if it meant reducing their day-to-day admin tasks

Only one in ten (11%) respondents are worried that their job could be replaced by a robot, and the majority (56%) are convinced their role will never be taken over by automation. This suggests a greater inclination to work alongside robotic or intelligent technology.

Mike Lord, vice president, Australia & New Zealand at OpenText, said an increasing number of Australians are seeing the benefits this will bring to the workplace and our wider lives, including the public sector. 

“By performing more menial, repetitive tasks, automation and robotics allow us to be more efficient and save time.”

He added that it’s time to stop viewing AI as an “existential threat” to our livelihoods and our health. 

“AI will transform the workplace, as menial tasks are digitised through robotics and process automation, but AI will never replace people,” he said. 

“The true value of AI lies in its ability to work alongside humans to relieve work pressure, but also in the health system, with the goal of bringing comfort to everyday life.”

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