The Policy for the responsible use of AI in government ensures that government plays a leadership role in embracing AI for the benefit of Australians while ensuring its safe, ethical and responsible use, in line with community expectations. The policy:
- provides a unified approach for government to engage with AI confidently, safely and responsibly, and realise its benefits
- aims to strengthen public trust in government's use of AI by providing enhanced transparency, governance and risk assurance
- aims to embed a forward leaning, adaptive approach for government’s use of AI that is designed to evolve and develop over time.
Applicability
The policy is mandatory for Non-corporate Commonwealth entities and takes effect on 1 September 2024.
National security applicability
- The policy does not apply to the use of AI in the defence portfolio.
- The policy does not apply to the 'national intelligence community'.
Defence and members of the national intelligence community may voluntarily adopt elements of the policy where they are able to do so without compromising national security capabilities or interests.
Access the policy
The digital.gov.au website hosts the Policy for responsible use of AI in government (full text).
Policy Requirements
To comply with the policy, agencies must:
-
Designate accountability to accountable official(s)
Designate accountability for implementing the policy to accountable official(s) by 30 November 2024 (within 90 days of the policy taking effect).
Requirements for designating accountable official(s) are set out in the Standard for accountable officials.
-
Publish an AI transparency statement and keep it updated
Make publicly available a statement outlining their approach to AI adoption and use by 28 February 2025 (within 6 months of the policy taking effect).
Review and update AI transparency statement annually or sooner, should the agency make significant changes to their approach to AI.
Agencies should also consider implementing the recommended actions and optional elements outlined in the policy.