Image: Edgarodriguezmunoz (Wikimedia Commons)

Is data-fueled automation realistic or hyperbole?

In recent times ‘big data’ has become synonymous with “automation” as data fuels the artificial intelligence behind systems designed to replace workers. Is this really the future of the workplace and if it is, is it imminent or do we have time to influence the roll out of new technology?

Discuss the hopes and opportunities that advances in data analytics can bring to individuals, organisations and the workforce as a whole in the context of the ‘future of work’.

Our speakers will explore the likely impacts of big data and automation, as well as reflecting on the current hype around big data and expectations for what comes next…

Lizzie O’Shea – is a lawyer, writer, and broadcaster. She is regularly featured on national television programs and radio to comment on law, digital technology, corporate responsibility, and human rights, and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Guardian, and Sydney Morning Herald, among others. She is the author of Future Histories, a book that outlines how very human our understanding of technology is, and what potential exists for struggle, for liberation, for art and poetry in our digital present.

Sarah Barker is the Director of Data Intelligence at Our Community, a world-leading B Corporation that provides advice, connections, training and easy-to-use tech tools for people and organisations working to build stronger communities. Sarah leads Our Community’s Innovation Lab, trialling and refining methods for managing and learning from data in the social sector. Sarah is an energetic leader and enjoys building relationships, creative thinking and continuous learning.

Don Sharples is the founder of Altometer Business Intelligence (and a co-working member of 888 Co-operative Causeway) – he believes that data should be for everyone to make the most of. You can read about some of his ideas here.

Tim Lyons is a Research Fellow at think-tank Per Capita and Deputy Chairman of a large Industry Superannuation Fund. Tim works with unions and NGOs as a partner in Reveille Strategy Pty Ltd. Tim more than 20 years experience in the union movement as an organiser, advocate, and senior leader. He spent 7 years as the Assistant Secretary of the ACTU until 2015 where he was responsible for organising programs and labour law, economics and pensions. Tim has been also member of Federal Government boards and expert working groups on workplace relations, taxation, superannuation, procurement and industry policy. He tweets @picketer

Please note this event will be catered (finger food) with drinks at bar prices

Pictured: fried pickles (Wikimedia Commons)