Telstra expected to be 'smaller' in 2030 thanks to AI: CEO
Telstra's chief says the telco expects to have a smaller workforce by the end of the decade because of artificial intelligence. CEO Vicki Brady made the comments about the impact of the new technology on Telstra while speaking on a panel of business leaders at the Australian Financial Review's AI Summit on Tuesday. "No one knows what 2030 looks like, but our best estimate [is that] we would expect our organisation to be smaller in 2030 than it is today," she said. Brady said the idea of a reduced workforce might cause "fear and uncertainty" and that Telstra was focusing on training its staff to adapt to the change. "Rather than, you know, dwell on that, we have focused on investment in skills and capability because, no matter what 2030 looks like, I'm more convinced that [AI literacy] becomes just a foundational skill," she said. Earlier this year, Telstra axed 650 roles, including 200 from its joint AI venture with consulting and technology firm Accenture. "These proposals are intended to help us reduce complexity, be more competitive and operate more efficiently and sustainably," Brady wrote in an email announcing the cuts to staff.