The Queensland Government’s Customer and Digital Group (QGCDG) unveiled a detailed artificial intelligence governance policy to guide the implementation of AI in state agencies. The new policy sets up strong governance frameworks and risk management protocols to ensure the secure, transparent, and ethical use of AI in government operations, positioning Queensland as a leader in responsibly adopting AI in the public sector.

All departments and statutory bodies within the Queensland Government must follow this policy, as outlined in the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2019. The guidelines require two key actions: conduct a foundational risk assessment before using AI and implement governance arrangements that comply with ISO 38507 standards. These measures protect public data and maintain trust while promoting the goals of digital governance.

AI risk assessment

The AI Governance Policy provides clear guidance for conducting AI risk assessments, as outlined in the Foundational Artificial Intelligence Risk Assessment (FAIRA) guideline and framework. The FAIRA guideline helps agencies assess AI implementations by focusing on essential aspects such as data privacy, potential biases, and cybersecurity risks. This evaluation ensures that AI initiatives meet risk standards before launching. The FAIRA framework sets standardised evaluation criteria that enable uniform and efficient AI governance across various agencies.

“The FAIRA guideline is integral to Queensland’s commitment to ethical AI,” stated the Queensland Government. “It provides agencies with a practical tool to identify and mitigate risks early in the AI deployment process, ensuring transparency and public trust.”

Global standards for ethical AI

The Queensland Government’s AI Governance Policy aligns with globally recognised standards, especially ISO 38507, which sets forth governance principles for the responsible use of AI in various sectors. ISO 38507 is a widely recognised standard that emphasises transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of AI technologies. The Queensland Government is committed to integrating these principles to ensure that all AI systems meet the rigorous standards for responsible operation, thereby promoting safer data management practices across state agencies. 

Agencies must conduct AI risk assessments following the Foundational Artificial Intelligence Risk Assessment (FAIRA) guideline, which incorporates the core principles of ISO 38507. This alignment establishes uniform standards for assessing AI systems, highlighting data privacy, operational transparency, and accountability. The Queensland Government representative stated, “The AI Governance Policy sets a benchmark by aligning with ISO standards, reinforcing our commitment to ethical AI use, and enhancing public trust.”

The Queensland Government shows its commitment to AI transparency and safety by adhering to ISO 38507 and related policies, positioning itself as a leader in this vital field. Established standards ensure that digital government projects using AI meet uniform, high-quality criteria. These standards provide leaders with clear guidance for implementing AI securely and reliably, addressing public needs while upholding privacy standards.

Generative AI guidelines

The policy is supported by the Microsoft Copilot Guidelines and the Use of Generative AI in Queensland Government Guidelines, which broaden its scope to include generative AI applications. These guidelines outline the appropriate practices for using AI-powered tools, including QChat, the Queensland Government’s AI virtual assistant, to ensure safe and responsible usage. 

To adapt to the evolution of AI technologies and establish a robust governance framework, the Queensland Government actively develops new guidelines. The Australian Government’s Voluntary AI Safety Standard and discussions about mandatory AI guardrails highlight a significant push for regulating AI applications in high-risk situations across the nation.

Queensland’s AI leadership

With this initiative, Queensland takes the lead in AI-enhanced digital governance. The AI Governance Policy establishes a well-defined governance framework that helps agency leaders deploy AI responsibly and enhances efficiency and service delivery in the public sector. Leaders in the public sector, including CEOs, CIOs, and COOs, can harness AI advancements securely and sustainably using these frameworks. 

The Queensland Government plans to unveil additional guidelines and policies to address the evolving landscape of AI, tackling new challenges and seising opportunities. This strategy empowers the public sector to harness the revolutionary capabilities of AI while upholding ethical principles and protecting citizen information.

Editors Publicspectrum

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