A new policy framework has been released for the accountable use of artificial intelligence in the APS. Photo: File.
Federal Government agencies have until December to show how they are using artificial intelligence in an accountable and trustworthy way, and in accordance with a new policy that’s about to kick in.
The Policy for the responsible use of AI released on Thursday (15 August) takes effect on 1 September and aims to guide the safe and responsible use of AI in the Australian Public Service.
Agencies must designate accountability for implementing this policy within 90 days of this policy taking effect.
Those responsibilities may be vested in an individual or the chair of a body and may also be split across officials or existing roles to suit agency preferences. However, they have to show how the policy is working within their agencies, notify the Digital Transformation Agency of risks, and be a contact point for whole-of-government AI coordination.
The policy is driven by three key principles of ‘enable, engage and evolve’, and include delivering requirements for how to safely engage with AI to enhance productivity, decision-making and policy outcomes.
Agencies must seek to protect Australians from harm by ensuring AI use is transparent, explainable to the public and reviewed regularly.
They must also ensure flexibility and adaptability to accommodate technological advances through feedback mechanisms embedded across government.
The policy comes with clear measures for accountability in the use of AI.
In releasing the new policy framework, government ministers noted that many areas of the APS already use AI, but the new policy seeks to ensure a coordinated approach across the APS while also introducing important guardrails to minimise the risks AI may pose.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said the government wants to leverage the new technology safely.
“AI has the potential to improve productivity within the APS and make government services better for all Australians,” Senator Gallagher said.
“The ATO is already using AI to transcribe inbound calls to their call centre and detect patterns and trends in the topics raised by callers.
“An AI-enabled app by the Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the CSIRO is helping them identify pests.
“These are just some of the ways that we see AI being able to help public servants do their jobs. This new policy provides agencies important advice and direction to ensure public servants are using AI wisely, so that Australians can have confidence that we are using AI in the right way.”
Science Minister Ed Husic said the policy had been designed to complement and strengthen existing frameworks, legislation and practices that touch upon the government’s use of AI. It was not designed to duplicate them.
He said the policy framework must be read and applied alongside existing frameworks and laws to ensure agencies meet all their obligations.
“This policy is a first step in the journey to position the Australian Government as a world leader in its safe and responsible use of AI,” Mr Husic said.
“It sits alongside whole-of-economy measures such as mandatory guardrails and voluntary industry safety measures.”
The government has committed $39.9 million over five years to support the adoption and use of AI and flagged four new ‘AI adopt projects’ to act as a front door to connect businesses with AI expertise.
Assistant Minister for the Public Service Patrick Gorman recently told an Institute of Public Administration Australia summit that the APS must embrace generative artificial intelligence or be left floundering domestically and on the world stage.
Mr Gorman said the new technology could not be ignored and must be used to better deliver government services.
“I know the public sector needs to uplift our skill in artificial intelligence. There is no other option,” he said.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Riotact.
