APS to receive mandatory AI training

The federal government has announced it is introducing mandatory AI training for the Australian Public Service (APS). Announced at the Annual Statement of APS Reform, the AI Plan will guide the safe, responsible and coordinated adoption of AI and drive uptake across government.

The government says that investments in AI will give every public servant the confidence and access to use AI, drive productivity, and ensure the APS leads on the economy-wide transformations that generative AI is driving.

Under the plan, every federal public servant will have:

• access to generative AI tools;
• comprehensive training and capability support;
• clear guidance on how to use these tools safely and responsibly; and
• leadership and support from new Chief AI Officers to promote adoption.
   

Trust from public servants and the broader public will be essential as the plan is implemented — including knowing what AI can and can’t be used for, managing risks, and clearly communicating when AI is used in government’s work.

The government’s plan will also:

• expand the GovAI platform and establish GovAI Chat to provide APS staff with secure, in-house AI tools;
• establish the AI Delivery and Enablement (AIDE) team to coordinate adoption and fast-track priority use cases; 
• invest in the APS workforce to manage AI-driven changes in job design, skills and mobility; and
• create an AI Review Committee to provide expert advice on higher-risk uses of AI.
   

The goal is for every public servant to have access to secure generative AI directly from their laptop through the GovAI platform, and through the government’s development of a GovAI Chat.

The goal is to achieve a government-based platform that avoids vendor lock-in and allows the APS to adopt emerging technologies and solutions, including from Australian businesses and innovators. GovAI will include a use-case library and a vendor-agnostic platform with a model selection option based on need, enabling agencies to access a diverse range of AI models for their own development.

Through GovAI Chat, all public servants will have access to secure generative AI tools that leverage government data. Responses will be fast, up to date and auditable, delivered through familiar and secure interfaces.

The government says it will collaborate with the Australian technology and IT industry to realise the AI Plan vision. The APS AI Plan will complement the upcoming National AI Plan that will be delivered by Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres before the end of 2025.

“Accelerating AI adoption is essential to strengthen Australia’s economic resilience and boost productivity, and implementing AI across the APS ensures it will help to lead the economy-wide transformation,” said Minister for the Public Service Katy Gallagher. “Trust, both from public servants and the broader public, is our licence to operate. The APS AI Plan puts strong governance and transparency at its core, ensuring human oversight is always present.

“AI adoption across the APS is not about replacing people. It’s about unlocking new capabilities while ensuring our people are focused on the work that requires human insight, empathy and judgement.”

Image credit: iStock.com/M.photostock