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Artificial intelligence in the APS is here to stay and the Federal Government has launched GovAI to help with its use. Photo: Tom Sompong.<\/p>\n
The Federal Government is serious about its workforce embracing artificial intelligence and is today (31 July) launching a new platform to help public servants get on board.<\/p>\n
Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher is promoting GovAI, which she says will empower Australian Public Service employees to develop AI skills safely and ethically.<\/p>\n
The government is looking to integrate more AI solutions into the APS\u2019s everyday work.<\/p>\n
\u201cAI is increasingly becoming a feature of modern workplaces across Australia and the world, which is why the public service must be capable of harnessing the opportunities it provides while also maintaining public trust,\u201d Senator Gallagher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA safe and methodical adoption plan for the uptake of AI in the APS will mean better outcomes for public servants, for Australians who rely on everyday services, and for Australian companies doing business with the Commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>\n
GovAI includes a catalogue of AI tools, hands-on training, and a secure \u2018sandbox\u2019 where APS staff can safely test AI processes.<\/p>\n
Sandboxing is a security practice used in an isolated environment, known as a sandbox, for testing.<\/p>\n
Within the sandbox, codes can be run and analysed safely without affecting an application, system or platform.<\/p>\n
The government also hopes GovAI will help teams to share and collaborate across agencies.<\/p>\n
It says confidence in using AI is the key to unlocking the potential of the tool, but that doing so incrementally and safely, taking public servants on a journey, is equally crucial.<\/p>\n
The launch of GovAI comes on the same day as the AI Government Showcase.<\/p>\n
Led by the Department of Finance and the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), the showcase offers Australian small and medium enterprises the opportunity to show off their products in the hope of unlocking potential partnerships between government and the private sector on AI solutions.<\/p>\n
Senator Gallagher said with AI being rapidly adopted by firms and institutions in Australia and around the world, the government wants to ensure the APS is best placed to take advantage of the productivity and service delivery gains these new technologies will provide.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to foster greater collaboration between government and industry and ensure we provide small and medium businesses with the opportunities to thrive,\u201d the Minister said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich is why today\u2019s industry showcase is so important.\u201d<\/p>\n
New AI Technical Standards for the APS are also being launched today, designed by the DTA in consultation with government agencies.<\/p>\n
The standards set out consistent expectations for the design, development and operation of new AI systems in government.<\/p>\n
Senator Gallagher said the government is fully committed to harnessing the benefits that AI brings, but doing so in a way that is safe and allows people to do what people do best.<\/p>\n
It has previously published its policy for the responsible use of AI in government<\/a>, seeking to ensure the APS plays a leadership role in embracing AI for the benefit of Australians.<\/p>\n The DTA led a Pilot AI Assurance Framework<\/a> last year for participating agencies to assess the impact of AI applications.<\/p>\n