Tech giant pushes for special AI worker visas and early AI literacy in schools
Amazon is urging parliament to create dedicated AI skilled visas. The company also wants AI literacy in schools starting in kindergarten.
Amazon is telling MPs and senators that Australia risks falling behind in artificial intelligence. The company told a parliament inquiry that Australia has natural strengths.
Australia has good education, political stability and strong data privacy protections. Fewer than one in five employers say their workers are ready to adopt AI.
Cost concerns and knowledge gaps hold them back. Amazon suggests adding an AI stream to Australia's skilled migration pathways.
The company also wants tech literacy programs pushed deeper into schools, starting in kindergarten. These recommendations come as Amazon has laid off nearly 30,000 workers globally since late 2025.
These job cuts are tied to AI adoption. Its web services business powers most cloud AI systems.
It generated more than $185 billion in global revenue in the past year.
- fewer than 1 in 5
- Employers ready for AI
- more than 185 billion dollars
- AWS revenue 2025
- nearly 30,000 since late 2025
- Amazon global layoffs
- kindergarten
- Suggested AI education start
Why it mattersAI adoption could reshape Australia's economy and job market. Getting the right workforce and education policies now matters.
AustraliaIf Australia cannot develop enough homegrown AI skill and expertise, it will depend on overseas workers and risk missing economic opportunities from AI leadership.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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