The first comprehensive study of AI adoption, investment, and governance across Australian small and medium businesses. Based on original survey data and insights from 140+ businesses already assessed through FlowWorks.
This is not another recycled survey from a global consulting firm with a token Australian sample. This report is built entirely on Australian SME data, collected directly from business owners and decision-makers across every state and territory.
What percentage of Australian SMEs are actively using AI, and how does it vary by industry and company size.
Which AI tools dominate the Australian SME market, from ChatGPT and Claude to automation platforms and industry-specific solutions.
How much Australian SMEs are spending on AI today and how they expect that to change in the next 12 months.
The real reasons businesses are not adopting AI, from lack of expertise to concerns about privacy and ROI.
How many businesses have AI usage policies, and how prepared SMEs are for upcoming Privacy Act changes.
The specific business areas where AI is generating the strongest returns for Australian small businesses.
How AI readiness and adoption differ across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the rest of Australia.
Where Australian SMEs plan to invest in AI over the coming year and what that signals for the market.
Before the full survey launches, we already have data from 140+ Australian businesses that have completed the FlowWorks Free AI Audit. Here is what the early numbers show.
Based on 140+ businesses assessed through the FlowWorks Free AI Audit
Most businesses have individuals using tools like ChatGPT, but lack formal adoption or policies
Only a small fraction of SMEs have documented guidelines for how staff should use AI tools
The most common challenge is not cost or fear, but simply not knowing which processes to automate first
Share how your business uses AI and help build the most comprehensive picture of AI adoption in Australian SMEs. Takes about 6 minutes.
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All participants receive the report free.
The survey is designed for anyone involved in technology or operational decisions at an Australian SME. The more diverse the sample, the more useful the data.
Benchmark your AI maturity against peers in your industry and size bracket
Identify which processes other businesses are automating and the results they are seeing
Understand the tools landscape and governance requirements shaping AI adoption
Use the data to guide client conversations about AI investment and readiness
Access sector-specific data to inform member programmes and advocacy
Reference independent Australian data when advising clients on AI strategy and investment
The full findings will be published as a downloadable PDF, free for anyone to read and share. No paywall, no gated content.
Key findings will be presented at business and technology events across Australia, with full attribution to all contributing organisations.
The data will be made available to journalists and industry analysts covering AI adoption in Australia, positioning participants as part of the conversation.
Aggregate insights will help FlowWorks and the broader community build better resources, benchmarks, and frameworks for Australian SMEs.
All individual responses are anonymous. No business names or identifying information will be published without explicit permission.