New policy released for the use of AI in government

The federal government has released a new framework to guide the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Many areas of the APS already use AI to improve their work and engagement with the public. The new ‘Policy for the responsible use of AI in government’ will ensure a coordinated approach across government to access the benefits, while introducing important guardrails to minimise the risks AI may pose.

Minister for Finance and the Australian Public Service Katy Gallagher said the government wants to leverage the technology safely.

“AI has the potential to improve productivity within the APS and make government services better for all Australians,” she said. “The ATO is already using AI to transcribe inbound calls to their call centre and detect patterns and trends in the topics raised by callers. An AI-enabled app by the Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the CSIRO is helping them to identify pests. These are just some of the ways that we see AI being able to help public servants to do their jobs.

“This new policy provides agencies important advice and direction to ensure public servants are using AI wisely, so that Australians can have confidence that we are using AI in the right way.”

The policy, which comes into effect on 1 September, is driven by three key principles making up the ‘enable, engage and evolve’ framework:

1. Enable and prepare provides requirements for how to safely engage with AI to enhance productivity, decision-making, policy outcomes and government service delivery with clear accountabilities for the adoption of AI and to understand its use.
2. Engage responsibly seeks to protect Australians from harm by ensuring AI’s use is transparent, explainable to the public and reviewed regularly.
3. Evolve and integrate ensures flexibility and adaptability to accommodate technological advances through feedback mechanisms embedded throughout government.

“This policy is a first step in the journey to position the Australian Government as a world leader in its safe and responsible use of AI,” said Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic. “It sits alongside whole-of-economy measures such as mandatory guardrails and voluntary industry safety measures.”

The government said the policy has been designed to complement and strengthen — not duplicate — existing frameworks, legislation and practices that touch upon government’s use of AI. This policy must be read and applied alongside existing frameworks and laws to ensure agencies meet all their obligations.

More information is available at www.digital.gov.au/ai.

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