WiseTech Cuts 2000 Jobs Amid AI Adoption Concerns

On February 25, 2026, WiseTech, the Australian logistics software company, announced cuts totaling 2000 jobs, approximately one-third of its workforce, as part of a broader strategy to adapt to the increasing deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This decision followed a 35 percent decline in half-year profits, highlighting the growing threat AI poses to traditional software engineering roles. CEO Zubin Appoo emphasized the end of manually written code as an engineering standard, suggesting a paradigm shift in how software is developed and deployed.

The implications of this job reduction and the prevailing fears around AI-driven unemployment are significant for the technology landscape in Australia. As companies like WiseTech recalibrate their operations to incorporate AI, there is an increasing concern about job security among workers. Furthermore, as firms navigate this technological evolution, the reliance on AI could foster greater dependency on external solutions, impacting local job markets and the economy. Governments and policymakers may need to address these challenges proactively to mitigate the effects of AI on employment.