Opinion: Queensland at a digital crossroads

By Heidi Cooper, CEO Business Chamber Queensland

While the debate about artificial intelligence often focuses on what might happen in the future, Queensland businesses are already making decisions about AI today. The difference between those who adopt these technologies effectively and those who don’t could determine who remains competitive in the decade ahead.

Digital innovation is advancing at unprecedented speed. Success is no longer about keeping up with change. It’s about getting ahead and remaining competitive in national and global markets.

From tourism operators in Cairns and agricultural businesses in the Darling Downs to manufacturers in Brisbane and resource companies in regional Queensland, AI has the potential to lift productivity across industries that underpin the state’s economy.

At a time when Australia is grappling with low productivity growth, AI offers a practical way for businesses to do more with what they already have. It can automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making and free up staff to focus on more valuable work.

Many businesses are already seeing benefits of digital adoption through increased productivity, efficiency, and growth. But if Queensland is to succeed in the decades ahead, businesses need greater support to navigate an increasingly complex technology landscape. We cannot follow digital trends; we must help shape them.

AI has enormous potential but Business Chamber Queensland’s research shows many businesses are not yet ready to take full advantage of it. Three quarters of businesses say they’re simply trying to keep up with technological change. Eight in ten are either not using AI or are using it only for basic tasks such as online searches and drafting emails. Less than 10 per cent consider themselves proficient in AI, while around 13 per cent are unfamiliar with the concept or its applications.

These findings suggest many businesses are interested in AI but lack the confidence, skills or guidance needed to move beyond experimentation. Skills shortages and workforce training remain significant barriers to successful AI implementation.

AI also brings risks that must be managed. Cyber criminals are already using AI to develop more convincing scams, phishing attacks and online fraud. As adoption grows, businesses will need the right skills, systems and safeguards to protect themselves and maintain trust.

To unlock the benefits of AI, Queensland needs a coordinated approach. That means strengthening digital skills training, helping businesses identify practical uses for AI, and providing trusted guidance on governance, cybersecurity and responsible use.

Government also has an important role to play. Businesses need regulatory settings that build trust and provide certainty, but regulation must support innovation rather than stifle it. The focus should be on enabling responsible adoption, aligning with existing legal and regulatory frameworks where possible, and avoiding unnecessary duplication that adds complexity without improving outcomes.

Businesses consistently tell us they want to adopt AI but are unsure where it will deliver value. They recognise AI is not just a technological shift; it is also a leadership, communication and people challenge. Successful adoption means bringing the workforce along while managing security, sovereignty, and trust.

With the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Queensland has a unique opportunity to showcase itself as a leader in digital innovation and attract new investment.

The businesses that embrace digital transformation safely and strategically will be the ones that thrive.

The question is not whether AI will reshape our economy. It already is. The question is whether Queensland will lead that transformation or be left trying to catch up.

This article was originally published in The Courier Mail on Tuesday 18 August 2026.