Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Australian Government is today launching a new platform, GovAI, to empower public servants to develop AI skills in a safe and ethical way, as the Government looks to integrate more AI solutions into everyday work.

The launch of GovAI comes on the same day as the AI Government Showcase, an opportunity for domestic businesses – particularly small and medium enterprises – to show off exciting products and unlock potential partnerships between government and the private sector on AI solutions.

The Government will is publishing new AI Technical Standards today, designed by the Digital Transformation Agency in consultation with government agencies, setting out consistent expectations for the design, development, and operation of new AI systems in government.

GovAI includes a catalogue of AI tools, hands-on training, and a secure sandbox where APS staff can safely test AI processes. It will also help teams to share and collaborate across agencies. 

Confidence to use AI is the key to unlocking the potential of this powerful tool, but doing so in an incremental and safe way that takes public servants on a journey is equally crucial.

AI is being rapidly adopted by firms and institutions here in Australia and around the world. We want to ensure the APS is best placed to take advantage of the productivity and service delivery gains these new technologies will provide.

The Albanese Government is fully committed to harnessing the benefits that AI brings but doing so in a way that is safe and allows people to do what people do best.

This exciting milestone builds on work already done to assist the safe adoption of AI in government, including the policy for responsible use of AI in government, a pilot AI Assurance Framework and Australia's AI Ethics Principles.

Together, these tools and policies will ensure agencies using AI will adhere to comprehensive safety and ethical standards.

More detail on GovAI is available here and can now be accessed by all APS employees through a GovTEAMS login.

The DTA’s new AI Technical Standard can be found here. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Katy Gallagher:

“AI is increasingly becoming a feature of modern workplaces across Australia and the world, which is why the public service must be capable of harnessing the opportunities it provides while also maintaining public trust.

“A safe and methodical adoption plan for the uptake of AI in the APS will mean better outcomes for public servants, for Australians who rely on everyday services, and for Australian companies doing business with the Commonwealth. 

“We want to foster greater collaboration between government and industry and ensure we provide small and medium businesses with the opportunities to thrive – which is why today’s industry showcase is so important.”