CGM Research 
An exclusive poll has found almost two thirds of Western Australian voters believe the adoption of automation and other new technologies will decrease the number of jobs in WA.
The survey of 612 voters was undertaken state-wide by on the 24th and 25th September using automated voice broadcast technology. It was commissioned by CGM Research, with the results released to the public to inform public discussions.
The poll found 61 per cent of voters thought that the adoption of automation and new technologies in the workplace would decrease the number of jobs, with 13 per cent thinking it would increase the number of jobs and 17 per cent thinking it would make no difference.
The survey also found that 26 per cent of voters had either lost a job because of automation of new technologies, or knew someone who had.
CGM Research Director Daniel Smith said the results would be a timely reminder to industry and government about the need to prepare people for change in the workplace.
“When you listen to industry, you hear an optimistic view that automation will create new jobs and opportunities, in the same way as other technological advances have in the past,” he said.
“While there is significant evidence to support an optimistic view, our research shows that many within the community don’t share industry’s positive outlook. With many people reporting to have already been impacted by automation and new technologies, it is understandable that many have concerns about future job losses.
“Our research highlights the need for industry and government to work together to bring people on the journey as the way we work changes significantly over the next decade and beyond.
“To bring people on the journey, industry and government need to be honest about the jobs that will change or be lost, identify the new jobs that are being created and provide the opportunities for education and training necessary to get the skills for the jobs of the future.”
Mr Smith said the polling had also identified jobs and the economy as the issue of most importance to voters 18 months out from the next state election.
When asked what the most important issue the State Government should be focusing on was, 32 per cent of voters nominated jobs and the economy, 27 per cent nominated health and education, 22 per cent nominated cost of living and 13 per cent nominated crime and community safety.
“Our research found that jobs and the economy was the most important issue for swinging voters at the federal election, so it didn’t surprise us to find this issue of high importance to voters at the state level,” Mr Smith said.
“Findings like this highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to diversify the state economy, as well as the importance of industry and government working together to ensure local workers have the skills necessary for the jobs of the future.”
Background
- This above research was undertaken to inform the third instalment of CGM Research’s Future of Work and Democracy Series, which is exploring the impact of a range of work issues on voter volatility in Western Australia.
- The poll of 612 voters was conducted statewide between 24th-25th September, 2019.
Analysis
Read Daniel Smith’s analysis here.
Download
