announced by the Australian government AI Plan for Australian Public Services 2025outlines a framework for expanding the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence across federal agencies. The plan aims to improve service delivery, policy outcomes, and workforce productivity through widespread access to secure AI tools and comprehensive staff training.
All civil servants will receive basic training in the safe use of generative AI, supported by clear guidance and leadership from each department’s newly appointed Chief AI Officer. These senior executives will oversee implementation, drive adoption, and report on progress.
Treasury Minister Katie Gallagher said: “This plan sets out a proactive stance to accelerate the adoption of AI. It will ensure the Australian Government is in line with the expectations of the international community as well as local communities.”
building trust
The plan is structured around three pillars. Trust, People, Tools. of trust The pillars focus on transparency, ethics and governance. This includes updating the government’s policy on the responsible use of AI, requiring government agencies to maintain an internal register of AI applications and appoint responsible officials for each use case.
new AI review committee Members will be drawn from public services and external regulators to increase oversight of high-risk applications. The committee will provide non-binding recommendations and monitor emerging risks regarding the deployment of complex or sensitive AI.
The government will also strengthen accountability for suppliers. Service providers will be required to disclose the use of AI when providing services, and contractual terms will make clear that suppliers are responsible for the results, regardless of whether AI tools are used.
employee ability
of people The pillars address the skills and culture changes needed for recruitment. All staff complete mandatory foundational AI literacy training with the support of resources through APS Academy. Senior leaders will participate in a dedicated learning program to guide the responsible use of AI within their departments.
Consultation with employees and trade unions will be central to implementation. The Australian Public Service Commission will issue a circular outlining its standards of engagement on AI-related workplace changes, allowing staff and their representatives to provide input on how the technology will impact their work.
new unit, Delivering and enabling AI (AIDE) will coordinate implementation across government. The team will identify and address barriers, share lessons from early adopters, and develop a practical framework to accelerate implementation while maintaining safety measures.
technical foundation
of tool The pillars establish the digital infrastructure necessary for consistent and secure use of AI. of Government AI The platform provides government agencies with a centralized, Australian-based service for developing and hosting AI applications. It includes model brokerage, shared training resources, and a library of approved use cases to help prevent duplication and reduce costs.
As a companion service, GovAI chatprovides all civil servants with access to secure generative AI tools designed for government use. The system enables staff to use AI in their daily work while protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with privacy and data protection requirements.
Guidance will also be published to help civil servants safely use public AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini for unclassified information. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Digital Transformation Agency will oversee related protocols and training.
Further initiatives include a central registry of AI risk assessments, updates to AI procurement processes, and new government-wide cloud policies to support responsible data management and secure computing.
ethical framework
accompanying things Statement of intent on AI in Australian public services We reaffirm that the deployment of AI must prioritize public interest and equity. It commits governments to using AI to improve services, efficiency and productivity, while ensuring that its use is fair, transparent and in line with community expectations.
The statement said public trust depends on ethical and legal safeguards that keep pace with rapid technological change. It emphasizes that AI should be used to benefit people, not for its own sake.
“Governments will always put people first and ensure that the introduction of AI does not exacerbate inequalities, bias and unfair treatment,” Mr Gallagher said.
