Michael Holzer
Director and Principal @ Mikani | Innovation and Investment
August 19, 2024
Introduction
The Australian Government is poised to embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) with the release of the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government. This policy, developed by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), is set to take effect on 1 September 2024. It aims to position the Australian Government as a leader in the safe and responsible use of AI, while simultaneously building public trust.
The Need for a Coordinated Approach
As AI technology continues to evolve, it presents both opportunities and challenges. The Australian Government recognises the necessity of a coordinated approach to harness these opportunities effectively. The new policy is a significant step towards achieving this goal, ensuring that AI is used in a manner that is both beneficial and trustworthy.
Key Objectives of the Policy
The Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government is designed to evolve with technological advancements and community expectations. It outlines how the Australian Public Service (APS) will:
- Embrace the Benefits of AI: Engage with AI confidently, safely, and responsibly to enhance productivity, decision-making, policy outcomes, and government service delivery.
- Strengthen Public Trust: Enhance transparency, governance, and risk assurance to build and maintain public trust.
- Adapt Over Time: Embed a forward-learning approach to adapt to changes in both technology and policy environments.
With this policy DTA wish to ensure the Australian Government demonstrates leadership in embracing AI to benefit Australians. They see that engaging with AI in a safe, ethical, and responsible way is how they will meet community expectations and build public trust.
The ‘Enable, Engage, and Evolve’ Framework
The policy is driven by the ‘enable, engage, and evolve’ framework, which introduces principles, mandatory requirements, and recommended actions.
Enable and Prepare
Agencies are encouraged to safely engage with AI to enhance productivity and decision-making. This involves establishing clear accountabilities for the adoption and use of AI. Each agency must identify accountable officials and provide their details to the DTA within 90 days of the policy’s effective date.
Engage Responsibly
To protect Australians from potential harm, agencies must implement proportional, targeted risk mitigation strategies. They are also required to ensure that their use of AI is transparent and explainable to the public. Within six months of the policy’s effective date, agencies must publish a public transparency statement outlining their approach to adopting and using AI.
Evolve and Integrate
Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to accommodate technological advances. This requires ongoing review and evaluation of AI uses, as well as embedding feedback mechanisms throughout the government.
Supporting Agencies with Standards and Guidance
To facilitate the implementation of the policy, the DTA has published a standard for accountable officials (AOs). These officials are expected to lead their agencies in:
- Uplifting governance of AI adoption
- Embedding a culture that balances risk management and innovation
- Enhancing response and adaptation to AI policy changes
- Participating in cross-government coordination and collaboration
DTA is encouraging AOs to be the primary point of partnership and cooperation inside their agency and between others. They are to connect the appropriate internal areas to responsibilities under the policy, collect information, and drive agency participation in cross-government activities.
Whole-of-government forums will continue to support the coordinated integration of AI into workplaces and track current and emerging issues.
AI Transparency Statements
The DTA will soon release a standard for AI transparency statements. These statements will outline the information agencies should make publicly available, including:
- The agency’s intentions for using or considering the adoption of AI
- Categories of use where there may be direct public interaction without a human intermediary
- Governance, processes, or other measures to monitor the effectiveness of deployed AI systems
- Compliance with applicable legislation and regulation
- Efforts to protect the public against negative impacts
Statements must use clear, plain language and avoid technical jargon.
Continuing the Commitment to Responsible AI
The release of this policy marks a continuation of the Australian Government’s significant work on responsible AI. By setting a high standard for the use of AI, the government aims to lead by example and ensure that AI technologies are used in ways that are ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all Australians.