Australian tech firm WiseTech defended cutting 2,000 jobs to focus on artificial intelligence, even as its overall company earnings rose.
Major Australian software firm WiseTech Global is defending its decision to cut two thousand jobs while its business profits and revenues continue to grow.
Financial updates published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, show that while the Sydney-based tech company increased its dividend payout to shareholders, it is aggressively trimming its worker headcount.
The widespread job cuts inside the software firm reflect a growing trend across the Australian technology sector, where big companies are letting go of thousands of workers while spending heavily on artificial intelligence tools.
The main reason WiseTech gave for letting thousands of staff go is that smart computer programs are making everyday work much faster, requiring fewer human workers to run operations.
Company executives argue that using artificial intelligence allows remaining employees to handle larger workloads in less time. Rather than spending money on large office teams, the firm is shifting its financial resources toward buying and developing high-powered AI software.
However, union leaders and business experts warn that tech firms may be using artificial intelligence as a convenient cover story to cut costs and boost profits for investors after hiring too many workers in past years.
While the company reported an eleven percent rise in revenue for its main logistics product, its overall sales growth missed early target predictions set by financial market experts.
At the same time, the sudden shift toward automated computer tools has caused deep worry for thousands of Australian technology workers and young graduates looking for entry level office jobs.
See Also: Tech New Zealand Tells Small Businesses to Fix Basic Digital Tools Before Using AI
Across Australia, tech firms like Atlassian and Block have also announced massive job cuts this year, citing similar pivots toward AI-driven software operations.
Defending the company’s changing workforce needs during recent staff announcements, Atlassian Chief Executive Officer Mike Cannon Brookes explained that while artificial intelligence does not simply replace every person, “it would be disingenuous to pretend AI doesn’t change the mix of skills we need or the number of roles required in certain areas”.
Pointing out that overall business operations are shifting, market analysts watching Australian tech layoffs noted that “what we’re seeing is not simply a cyclical slowdown, but a sector in transition, where firms are reorganising teams and resources in response to rapidly changing market and technology landscapes”.
Nearly 5,000 Australian technology workers have lost their jobs this year alone. Financial analysts warn that while cutting workers and using AI can boost short term share prices, companies risk losing key human experience needed to catch software mistakes and maintain high customer service standards.
In simple words, Australian tech giant WiseTech cut 2,000 jobs to save money and use smart AI tools, even though the company is still making millions of dollars.
The firm says AI lets them work faster with fewer workers, but critics say companies are just using AI as an excuse to fire people and save money.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
