The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently regulate artificial intelligence within critical supply chain sectors, including stevedoring and port services. This demand follows a report highlighting large-scale AI automation plans by Dubai Ports (DP World) at major terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. The union warns that uncontrolled automation by foreign multinationals poses a significant sovereign risk to Australia’s national security and economic stability during a period of global supply chain uncertainty.
The proposed transition to driverless vehicles and remote-operated cranes threatens approximately 1,000 positions, representing over 60% of the current workforce. The MUA and the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR) argue that these measures prioritize labor cost reduction and corporate profit over efficiency or public benefit. Furthermore, the union points to DP World’s history of avoiding corporate income tax in Australia as evidence that such automation serves foreign interests rather than the national economy.
To mitigate these risks, the MUA is advocating for a regulatory framework that ensures transparency, safety, and mandatory worker consultation. Key demands include guaranteeing full bargaining rights when AI is introduced and implementing stricter oversight to prevent profit shifting by multinational operators. The union emphasizes that protecting skilled jobs and maritime infrastructure is essential to inoculating the Australian community against global economic shocks and potential foreign interference in critical infrastructure.