The Australian government has announced a new policy that will come into effect on 1 September 2024. The Australian Public Service (APS) aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) through this policy. They have established a comprehensive framework to ensure the responsible use of AI in government. This framework aims to maximise the benefits of AI while minimising any potential risks associated with its use.
All government agencies have to implement a unified approach to ensure the safe, transparent, and responsible use of AI as required by this policy. Through this policy, the government seeks to boost productivity, improve decision-making, and foster public confidence in AI technologies.
The “enable, engage, and evolve” framework forms the basis of this policy. The principle of Enable and Prepare emphasises that the APS should use AI to enhance productivity, decision-making, and service delivery. Public servants establish clear responsibilities for the adoption of AI, ensure its safe use, and promote a thorough understanding of its capabilities and limitations.
The Engage Responsibly principle strongly emphasises transparency and building public trust. The public needs to comprehend AI applications and regularly review them to ensure protection against potential risks. This approach promotes transparency and accountability in the use of AI in government to safeguard Australians.
Finally, the Evolve and Integrate principle emphasises the importance of being adaptable. The government has implemented feedback mechanisms throughout to guarantee that AI systems stay up-to-date and efficient with the rapid advancement of AI technology. Ed Husic, the Minister for Industry and Science, emphasised the significance of this policy in establishing the Australian Government as a frontrunner in the responsible and secure use of AI. Other economic measures, such as mandatory guardrails and voluntary industry safety standards, align with this initiative.
They do not implement this policy in isolation, but rather as a complementary measure to existing laws and frameworks that govern the use of AI. Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance and APS, emphasised the policy’s significance in ensuring responsible use of AI and maintaining public trust in its implementation. She mentioned that the Australian Taxation Office uses AI to transcribe and analyse call centre data, and the Department of Agriculture has an AI-powered pest identification app. AI has the potential to enhance government operations, as these instances highlight.
This policy demonstrates the Australian government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of AI while ensuring its responsible implementation within the public sector. The country aims to position itself as a frontrunner in AI governance on a global scale.