In a groundbreaking move to ensure the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels of government, the Australian, state, and territory governments have collectively released the National Framework for the Assurance of Artificial Intelligence in Government. This framework was agreed upon during the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting (DDMM) and marks a significant step in aligning AI practices nationwide.
AI technologies, though in use for decades, have recently seen a surge in general-use capabilities, such as generative AI, becoming integral to everyday tools. Recognizing the importance of public confidence and trust in AI, governments across Australia have collaborated for nearly a year to develop this unified framework.
In June 2023, Data and Digital Ministers committed to a nationally consistent approach to AI’s safe and ethical use by government entities. A cross-jurisdictional working group, co-chaired by the Commonwealth and New South Wales (NSW) Governments, spearheaded the effort to harmonize AI assurance practices while respecting the unique circumstances and structures of each jurisdiction. The NSW Artificial Intelligence Assurance Framework, one of the world’s pioneering AI frameworks, served as a baseline for this national initiative.
Lucy Poole, co-chair of the working group and general manager of the Digital Transformation Agency’s Strategy, Planning, and Performance division, praised the collaborative effort. “This initiative is a great demonstration of collaboration between the Australian, state, and territory governments. We all look forward to continuing this collaboration and sharing our learnings as we apply and improve our AI assurance processes,” she said. Poole emphasized that the framework ensures consistent AI assurance across all Australian jurisdictions, benefiting both residents and businesses.
The national framework outlines essential practices and cornerstones of AI assurance, which are integral to broader AI governance in the public sector. The framework’s practices, aligned with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, include maintaining reliable data and information assets and complying with anti-discrimination obligations. These practices demonstrate how governments can apply ethical principles in practical terms.
Complementing these practices are five assurance cornerstones: governance, data governance, standards, procurement, and a risk-based approach. These mechanisms, already existing within many government structures, have been identified as crucial enablers for AI assurance. The framework also includes case studies showcasing various governments’ experiences with AI, such as managing AI in recordkeeping and ensuring transparency and explainability. These real-world examples provide valuable insights and resources to guide other entities in implementing the framework.
To accommodate the diverse responsibilities and organizational structures across Australian governments, each will develop tailored assurance processes that align with the national framework. This approach ensures that all governmental AI adoptions meet Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, offering measurable confidence to the public and businesses. The Australian Government, through the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), will develop and pilot its own AI assurance framework as part of this national initiative. The DTA serves as the government’s advisor on digital and ICT strategies, policies, standards, and investments.
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