Record STMT-W1CDC8ESoft law

Policy for the responsible use of AI in government - Version 2.0: Preparedness and operations

Institutional policy Institutional policyOceania · AUin force

This policy sets out mandatory requirements and principles for Australian Government agencies regarding AI preparedness and operations. It mandates that agencies establish an approach to embed responsible AI practices within 12 months, implement mandatory staff training, and align with risk management standards. Additionally, it provides recommended actions concerning technical standards, procurement guidance, and capability development.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Department of Industry, Science and ResourcesGovernment

Lead issuer

Legal forceSoft law

Under whose authorityInstitutional policy

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Public sector bodiesAI deployers and usersResearchers and academics

Australian public service officers and agency heads looking to build AI capability and operate AI responsibly.

Sectors

Public administration · government agencies

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers mandatory governance requirements, operational approaches, incident reporting pathways, and mandatory training obligations for Australian government agencies adopting artificial intelligence.

What's missing

Detailed technical source code requirements and specific penal sanctions for non-compliance are not stated.

Key takeaways

Agencies must establish an approach to embed responsible AI practices within 12 months of the policy taking effect.
Agencies must implement mandatory training for all staff on responsible AI use within 12 months.
APS officers must be able to explain, justify and take ownership of advice and decisions when using AI.
Agencies are strongly encouraged to apply the AI technical standard and AI procurement guidance for the Australian Government.

Principles it states

Protect Australians from AI harms.APS officers need to be able to explain, justify and take ownership of advice and decisions when using AI.AI capability built for the long term.Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate technological advances.

Outline

· Principles
· Mandatory requirements
  - Operationalise the responsible use of AI
  - Staff training on AI
· Recommended Actions
  - AI technical standard
  - AI procurement guidance
  - Capability development

IssuedNot recorded

Length1,337 words

FormatNot recorded

Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

APS officers need to be able to explain, justify and take ownership of advice and decisions when using AI.

Principles

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

It embeds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability into a set of technical requirements and guidelines.

Recommended Actions

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Dignity

4/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

Protect Australians from AI harms.

Principles

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

3/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Adopt a human-centred approach

Statement 10

screening score · 2026-10-24

Privacy

4/5

Protection of personal data and private life

Privacy protection and security

AI impact assessment tool

screening score · 2026-10-24

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

Australian Government AI transparency statements

Table of Contents

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

4/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Agencies must establish an approach to embed responsible AI practices within 12 months of this policy taking effect.

Mandatory requirements

screening score · 2026-10-24

Impact Assessment

4/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

AI use case impact assessment

Table of Contents

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

artificial_intelligence public_administration risk_management staff_training ai_governance