Media Alert: Maritime Union Demands AI Regulation to Protect Jobs and Supply Chain Sovereignty
Date: Monday, 23 March 2026 at 2pm
Location: APH – 27M House of Reps Courtyard
Event: Report Launch and Press Conference
Introduction
Amidst a global supply chain crisis and escalating oil prices, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has urged the Albanese Government to take swift action in regulating AI technologies within crucial supply chain sectors, particularly in stevedoring and port services. This demand arises as Dubai Ports implements an automation and AI control project across its container terminals in Australia.
Background
Dubai Ports operates four major terminals located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Sydney, effectively dominating the Australian container terminal market. The company is pushing an AI and automation agenda, influenced by its former global CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who faced significant controversies, including his involvement in the Epstein Files.
As the fifth largest port operator globally, owned by the Government of Dubai and Gulf royal families, Dubai Ports extracts substantial profits from Australian businesses while contributing minimally to tax revenues. Notably, the company has not paid corporate income tax in Australia for over a decade, raising concerns about its economic impact.
Threats to Employment
The MUA’s new report, titled “Job Losses and Profit Shifting at DP World: How AI Automation Threatens Australia’s Economic Wellbeing”, highlights the potential for job losses due to the proposed automation strategies. The report suggests that up to 1,000 jobs (over 60% of the workforce) are at risk as skilled, unionized roles are replaced by driverless vehicles and remotely operated cranes.
This drive towards automation contradicts the Australian Government’s National AI Plan, which emphasizes the need for consultation with workers and unions. Current evidence indicates that the primary motive behind this automation push is not to enhance supply chain efficiency but rather to reduce labor costs and maximize profits, ultimately leading to inflated costs for businesses and consumers.
Call for Action
The MUA continues to advocate for policies that ensure supply chain sovereignty to protect the Australian economy from global shocks, such as the recent oil crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
Key recommendations from the report include:
- Implement strict oversight, transparency, and accountability for AI systems in the workplace.
- Protect worker data and prohibit invasive surveillance practices.
- Prioritize safety, job security, and public benefit over corporate profit.
- Guarantee full bargaining rights and protected industrial action when AI or automation is introduced.
- Enhance tax transparency and combat profit shifting and offshore royalty payments.
Conclusion
As the MUA’s National Secretary, Jake Field, states, the increasing reliance on AI and automation in Australian ports poses significant risks. The potential for foreign interference and the prioritization of corporate interests over national security and economic stability raises alarm. The MUA stands firm in its commitment to protecting Australian workers and ensuring that the risks associated with AI automation do not undermine the integrity of critical infrastructure.
