Occupations in Australia: Trends in Doctors, Teachers, and Taxi Drivers

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Occupations in Australia
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Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New Generation Robotics
The use of artificial intelligence in the society has increased nowadays. According to
Papadimitriou (2016), artificial intelligence involves not only the use of robotics but also systems
that use algorithms to perform human-like functions. This explanation was used to dispel the
assumption that artificial intelligence entailed the use of human-like robots only. The trend of
using AI has grown due to the introduction of computers in the 1990s (Papadimitriou 2016). The
use of AI has impacted various fields of the society such as business, communication, and health.
For example, it has allowed the use of an algorithm that can predict market trends (Papadimitriou
2016). This essay explores the trends in the doctors, teachers and taxi drivers' occupations and
reveals that AI and robotics do not affect labor supply and demand.
In the future, the use of artificial intelligence and robotics may make the society worse.
Elon Musk has warned about the future adverse effects of using AI (Finlay 2017). According to
Finlay (2017), the use of AI may make it easier for humans to be controlled due to overreliance.
Presently, AI is preferred because it can make decisions better compared to humans. For
example, some companies use AI in the hiring process, and it is used in radiology to determine
cancer signs (Finlay 2017). Additionally, these systems gather information about its users that it
can use to manipulate them, which makes them dangerous. Ultimately, the use of AI could make
it easier for those who control AI to oppress the rest.
On the other hand, the use of artificial intelligence and robotics could lead to a better
society in the future. Based on growth theory, the replacement of labor with AI and robotics
systems increases capital share and economic growth (Masayuki 2016). The benefits result from
the minimization of human errors, which improves productivity. According to Masayuki (2016),

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replacing labor with AI and robotics entirely may have adverse effects, but such replacement
cannot be witnessed soon. This assessment reveals that AI makes society better.
Overall, the use of artificial intelligence and robotics makes society better despite the risk
of being controlled by machines mentioned earlier. The use of AI and robotics could be
beneficial, which means policies that protect humans from the harmful effects need to be
developed. Ultimately, the use of modern technology is unavoidable, and it aims to make society
better. Frey and Osborne (2017) state that the use of AI may replace approximately 40 percent of
the jobs in the U.S. Despite this replacement, Masayuki (2016) predicts that new occupations
will be created and human beings can protect themselves through upgrading human capital. This
assessment proves that the use of AI and robotics has its negative impacts, but it will make
society better in the future.
Doctors
The medical profession of Australia comprises of general doctors and specialists.
Presently, there is an oversupply of general doctors in Australia. Patty (2017) predicted that the
oversupply was due to the migration of overseas doctors. Additionally, the rate of growth of the
medical profession has been more than the Australian's aging population. For instance, in 2011,
the number of doctors was 70,200, and in April 2018 it was 114, 675 (Australian Bureau of
Statistics 2013; Medical Board of Australia 2018). The number of male doctors is more than the
female doctors by 7 percent. In 2011, 47 percent of the general doctors were female, but in 2018
51 percent are female (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013; Medical Board of Australia 2018).
This analysis shows that the number of female doctors has increased. Majority of the doctors in
Australia are aged between thirty and thirty-four years (Medical Board of Australia 2018).

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Historically, male doctors have always been more than female doctors. In 1986,
approximately 20 percent of the general doctors were female. Presently, as mentioned earlier
female doctors are less but with a lesser percentage (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013). From
1971 to 2001, the population size of doctors in Australia has doubled, but the distribution has not
been even (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003a). Majority of these doctors were located in the
urban areas. The fastest growth in population was witnessed in the 1970s, and afterward, the
growth slowed (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003a). The slow growth was due to the
implementation of policies that favored the increase of specialists, not general doctors. In
addition, the population of doctors comprises of doctors who were trained overseas (Australian
Bureau of Statistics 2013). In the 1970s, a majority of the doctors were not trained overseas.
Generally, the demographical change of Australian doctors is depicted by the difference of the
general population and female doctors.
The population of Australian doctors may change in the future. According to the
Australian Government (2010), the aging population is expected to increase until 2050 by 10
percent. The aging population leads to the increase in the demand for doctors. Majority of the
doctors will still be trained immigrants because the labor force in Australia is expected to
decrease due to the aging population. Presently, there is an oversupply of doctors, and some
leaders are recommending that the immigration of doctors should reduce. If that happens, in the
long run, Australia may experience a shortfall because demand is expected to increase.
Additionally, Australia is aware that it cannot rely on migration to support its health sector. The
composition of doctors will change if the majority are not trained overseas. Generally, the
number of doctors in the country may continue to increase.
Teachers