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The Australian Government has issued the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government that outlines a framework designed to ensure the ethical, safe, and effective deployment of artificial intelligence within public sector agencies. This policy is key to Australia’s strategy for maximising AI’s benefits while managing its risks, aiming to be a model for responsible AI use and maintaining public trust.
AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and governmental operations. In the public sector, AI offers opportunities to enhance the efficiency of government services, improve data-driven decision-making, and provide more personalised services to citizens. The policy acknowledges the transformative potential of AI but also highlights the unique challenges it presents. Public trust in government use of AI is currently low, and this trust deficit could hinder the widespread adoption of AI technologies.
The policy has three main objectives: embracing AI’s benefits, strengthening public trust, and adapting over time to technological advancements.
Embrace the Benefits: The policy encourages government agencies to engage with AI confidently and responsibly. By establishing clear governance, transparency, and accountability standards, the policy aims to remove barriers to AI adoption and ensure that AI is used for public benefit. The policy seeks to unify AI adoption across different government agencies, providing a consistent approach that can enhance productivity and service delivery.
Strengthen Public Trust: One of the significant barriers to AI adoption is the public’s concern over data privacy, transparency, and accountability in AI-driven decision-making. The policy addresses these concerns by mandating enhanced transparency, governance, and risk assurance measures. Agencies are required to make public their AI adoption and usage strategies, ensuring that citizens are informed about how AI is being utilised and how it impacts them. This transparency is intended to build public trust and mitigate concerns over potential misuse of AI technologies.
Adapt Over Time: AI is a rapidly evolving field, and the policy recognises the need for a flexible and adaptive approach. Government agencies are expected to continuously monitor and review their AI usage to ensure it remains aligned with the latest technological developments and regulatory requirements. The policy encourages a forward-looking approach, allowing agencies to pivot and adjust their AI strategies as needed.
The policy applies to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities as defined by the Public Governance, Performance, and Accountability Act 2013. While corporate Commonwealth entities and national security agencies are not mandated to follow this policy, they are encouraged to voluntarily adopt its principles where feasible.
The policy does not exist in isolation but is designed to complement and strengthen existing frameworks related to data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and ethics. It requires agencies to consider AI within the broader context of these frameworks, ensuring a holistic approach to managing the risks associated with AI.
The policy introduces the “enable, engage, and evolve” framework, which outlines the principles and mandatory requirements for AI use in government. Agencies must designate accountable officials responsible for AI policy implementation, ensure that staff receive AI training, and maintain transparency in their AI practices. The policy also recommends participating in the Australian Government’s AI assurance framework pilot, applying generative AI guidance, and continuously monitoring AI use to assess for unintended impacts.
A critical component of the policy is the emphasis on risk management. Agencies are required to conduct thorough risk assessments of their AI use cases, considering factors such as public accessibility, potential discrimination, privacy concerns, and the impact on public trust. The policy provides a risk matrix to help agencies evaluate the severity and likelihood of potential risks, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place.
