Record STMT-W600EACLegally binding

Policy for the responsible use of AI in government

Institutional policy State lawOceania · AUin force

This policy provides a framework to enable the accelerated and sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence by Australian government agencies while ensuring high ethical and safety standards. It establishes mandatory requirements for agencies covering strategy and oversight, preparedness and operations, and AI use case impact assessments. The policy aims to position government as an exemplar in responsible AI use by promoting transparency, accountability, and risk-based management.

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 forceLegally binding

Under whose authorityState law

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Public sector bodiesNational governmentAI deployers and users

Australian public servants and government agencies implementing artificial intelligence systems.

Sectors

Public administration

What the document contains

What's covered

The document addresses the strategic adoption, governance, operational preparedness, transparency statements, and impact assessments for artificial intelligence use cases within Australian government agencies.

What's missing

Specific legislative penalties or fines for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text.

Key takeaways

The policy applies to non-corporate Commonwealth entities to guide safe and responsible AI adoption.
Agencies must meet mandatory requirements including accountable officials, transparency statements, and strategic AI adoption approaches.
The framework mandates rigorous risk-based actions and impact assessments for AI use cases.
The policy is designed to evolve over time alongside technological changes and improved government AI maturity.

Outline

· Policy aims
· Strategy and oversight
· Preparedness and operations
· AI use case impact assessment

Issued15 December 2025

Length1,243 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

It introduces requirements for agencies to develop a strategic approach to adopting AI, establish an approach to operationalise the responsible use of AI, ensure designated accountability for AI use cases

Policy introduction

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

2/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

5. Fairness

AI impact assessment tool

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Dignity

2/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

10. Human-centred values

AI impact assessment tool

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

2/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

9. Contestability

AI impact assessment tool

screening score · 2026-10-24

Privacy

2/5

Protection of personal data and private life

7. 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

Departments and agencies must meet the mandatory requirements for: accountable official(s) transparency statements

Need to know

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

4/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Departments and agencies must meet the mandatory requirements for: accountable official(s) transparency statements developing a strategic approach to AI adoption

Need to know

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

Need to know

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

artificial_intelligence public_administration risk_management transparency accountability