New research from Business Chamber Queensland shows that while local businesses are increasingly aware of the benefits of AI and digital transformation, many are still struggling to keep pace with the speed of change.
The 2025 Digital Future of Work Report, supported by Australian Retirement Trust, highlights a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty across the Queensland business community. Nearly three-quarters of businesses report only a basic understanding of AI, even as one in four expect AI and digital tools will replace certain roles within the next five years. Yet the report also notes a doubling in the number of businesses using AI extensively, alongside strong interest in automation, streamlined workflows and digital customer engagement.
At the same time, businesses continue to identify significant barriers — including persistent skills shortages, rapid technological change, and the need for stronger leadership capability to guide digital adoption. More than half of Queensland businesses say they require new skills or retraining to stay competitive, and almost 85% believe cyber-security training is essential.
For small and medium enterprises in Central Queensland, these findings won’t come as a surprise. Many local operators are already experimenting with AI tools but are juggling day-to-day pressures, limited resources and the challenge of understanding which technologies genuinely add value.
The report also reinforces ongoing concerns around internet reliability — a familiar frustration for many regional businesses — and outlines the growing demand for specialised skills as Queensland prepares for major projects and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Want the full picture?
The Chamber encourages local businesses to explore the full article and download the complete 2025 Digital Future of Work Report to better understand the emerging trends shaping Queensland’s digital economy:
