The Future of Research Series » Business Chamber Queensland

Unlocking Queensland’s future

The ‘Future of’ research series explores the challenges and opportunities shaping Queensland’s businesses, workforces and workplaces.

Delivered by Business Chamber Queensland in partnership with Australian Retirement Trust, the series equips businesses, industry leaders, and government decision makers with meaningful insights and practical actions to position Queensland businesses for the future.

The program began in 2022 with the Future of Work Report, considering business insight on workplace, workforce and work-life. The 2024 & 2025 Digital Future of Work reports expanded on the previous research, aiming to further understand the impact of new digital technologies, including AI and automation, on Queensland workplaces and workforces.

In 2026, the series explored the Future of Women in Business, assessing how women’s working lives, career pathways and workforce participation are evolving, and how meaningful action can unlock women’s economic potential across the state.

The top three measures
identified to boost women’s careers are mentoring programs, flexible work and improved support for women with children.
49% of respondents
nominated better opportunities to enhance qualifications and experience among the top three ways to attract and retain women in workforces.
More than half of respondents
say governments need to focus on policies which support women back to work after a career break.
Nearly 40% of women surveyed
do not expect to have enough superannuation to allow a comfortable retirement, compared to 28% of men.

The Future of Women in Business Report

Queensland women are a powerful force in the state’s economy, bringing the skills, experience and ambition businesses need to grow, lead and compete into the future. But for many women in Queensland, there are still systemic challenges which continue to limit their economic potential and retirement security.

Addressing these challenges can unlock tremendous opportunity for Queensland.

The Future of Women in Business Report is both an advocacy platform for women in business and a practical guide to help the broader Queensland business community anticipate change, adapt with confidence, and build a more prosperous future where everyone can participate and contribute to their full potential.

Download the report below.

The 2025 Digital Future of Work Report

The 2025 Digital Future of Work Report revealed 7 in 10 Queensland businesses only have a basic or below understanding of AI and its applications for their business, and only 3.3% consider themselves experts in the field.  

The ‘tech fog’ which has weighed down Queensland businesses in the past is starting to lift but remains persistent as leaders grapple with the rise of AI, new skills requirements and workforce shifts. 

Read the report here.

The 2024 Digital Future of Work Report

The 2024 Digital Future of Work Report led the debate on the evolving nature of work and supported businesses to prepare for both the risks and opportunities presented by technological change in the workplace. 

Download the report here

Future of Work Report 2022

The 2022 Future of Work report explored key findings on workforce, workplace and work life for Queensland businesses, and provided recommended actions for business, government and industry to remain competitive and resilient long-term.

Read the report here.

About Australian Retirement Trust

As one of Australia’s largest super funds, more than 2.4 million Australians trust us to take care of around $375 billion in their retirement savings.

We’re building on a strong legacy of partnering with employers, winning Chant West’s Corporate Solutions Fund of the Year the last 11 years in a row for our Super Savings Corporate and Super Savings Business Accumulation account.1

As an employer with Australian Retirement Trust, you can benefit from our:

  • Secure Employer Online payment facility.
  • Easy-to-use payment clearing house.
  • Specialist support when you need it.

Your employees who are members with us benefit from our:

  • Focus on strong long-term performance.
  • Focus on lower fees and better services.
  • Everyday deals and discounts.

1. APast performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. ART’s Super Savings Corporate and Super Savings Business Accumulation account adopted the key features of the equivalent Sunsuper product, when QSuper and Sunsuper merged to form ART on 28 February 2022. The Corporate Solutions Fund of the Year award was given by Chant West to Sunsuper for 2016 – 2021, and to ART from 2022 onwards. Ratings and awards are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding to invest. For award information see art.com.au/awards.

 

The logo for Australian Retirement Trust

 

Download the Future of Women in Business Report