In one workplace I visited, it was suggested that if robotics were more affordable and reliable, then they would be introduced, replacing the six warehouse hands currently employed. In yet another, I was told that there were two people working in a particular section, although only one was really needed, because of Workplace, Health and Safety regulations. As I visited these places, I was frequently reminded of the apocryphal tale about the automated factory which only contains two living things - a worker and a dog. The worker is there to feed and tend the dog. The dog is there to stop the worker touching the machines.
Technology leads to a centralisation of resources.
I visited one major installation which would soon be relocated to Melbourne, despite its sole charter to service all of Queensland. By centralising the operations for each state in Melbourne, corporate procedures can be more easily adopted on a national level and replication of functions is reduced or removed. Costs of communication and time differences between the state centres are no longer of issue to the corporation. The new centre would employ 800 people in Melbourne, but would nationally displace a much higher figure. Thus far, the argument has been one-sided, portraying technology as more of a problem than a solution.