APS AI Tracker

ACIAR

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

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Tracked since 12 Nov 2025 · 1 change of substance across 2 versions · last changed 21 Apr 2026

What’s changed

How to read this

  1. First tracked. The statement says it was first published Mar 2025.

  2. substantive ACIAR rewrites its statement for policy v2.0. It adds governance frameworks, privacy and security, human review, a contact point and an annual review cadence, and drops its detailed staff-use rules.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Aligns with policy v2.0, the transparency statement Standard and staff guidance on public generative AI tools
    • New commitment: all AI outputs reviewed by staff before use; staff responsible for final decisions
    • Commitment changed from 'AI not used for decision-making' to 'no automated decisions directly affecting the public, funding recipients or program beneficiaries'
    • Adds governance references: AI Impact Assessment Tool, technical standard, procurement guidance, APS AI Plan 2025
    • Adds privacy and security section citing the Privacy Act, Essential Eight and PSPF
    • Adds staff training and communications, and alignment with the AI Ethics Principles
    • Adds a contact point and annual review cadence (first published March 2025, updated March 2026)
    • Adopts the OECD definition of AI
    • Removed: policy rules barring official information from public AI services, requiring executive approval for commercial AI tools, and banning AI from assessing staff performance
    • Removed: commitment to clearly flag administrative decisions aided by AI
    • Removed: discussion of bias, misinformation and privacy risks, and the commitment to continuous monitoring
    • Commitment dropped (will not): AI tools must not access restricted information, perform illegal activities, or assess staff performance
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Email accounts not used with public AI services without approval
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Official information must not be entered into public AI services unless already public
    • Commitment dropped (will): AI technologies adopted only after thorough risk assessment and monitored for compliance
    • Commitment dropped (will): Administrative decisions aided by AI will be clearly indicated
    • Commitment dropped (will): Automated decision-making tools need significant risk assessment and approval
    • Commitment dropped (will): Commercial AI tools require executive approval
    • Commitment dropped (will): Continuous monitoring so AI policies, tools and usage remain current, overseen by internal governance mechanisms
    • Commitment dropped (will): Misuse or identified risks must be reported immediately
    • Safeguard dropped: acceptable use policy
    • Safeguard dropped: incident or concern reporting
    • New commitment (human oversight): AI tools support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement; staff remain responsible for final decisions
    • New commitment (will not): AI systems do not make automated decisions directly affecting the public, funding recipients or beneficiaries
    • New commitment (will): Statement reviewed annually or when ACIAR's use of AI changes significantly
    • Public contact added
    • Safeguard added: staff training
    • Staff training: not mentioned → available
    • Policy version referenced: unspecified → v2
    • Public-facing AI use: not addressed → none
    • Review cadence: not stated → annual and on change
    • Stated first-published date: — → 2025-03
    • Stated last-updated date: — → 2026-03
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

ACIAR says it mainly uses Microsoft Copilot as its enterprise AI tool for staff productivity: drafting, summarising, transcribing meetings, analysing text and supporting administrative work. It says the AI does not make automated decisions affecting the public and staff review all outputs. Governance relies on the DTA's AI assurance framework and impact assessment tool, privacy and security controls, and ongoing staff training, in line with policy v2.0 and relevant legislation. read by Claude Opus 5.5

What it says AI is used for

  • Workplace productivity
  • Corporate and enabling

Named tools: Microsoft Copilot

Public-facing AI: none

Safeguards named: risk assessment, human review of outputs, audit or assurance, staff training, privacy or security controls

The Standard’s eight elements 8 of 8

  • Intentions behind AI use
  • Use classified by DTA usage pattern or domain
  • Public-facing use addressed
  • Monitoring and protection measures
  • Compliance with the policy
  • Compliance with legislation
  • Date last updated
  • Public contact

What the policy requires Policy v2.0

Accountable official
not mentioned
Strategic position on AI
not mentioned
AI use-case register
not mentioned
Staff training
available
Policy version referenced
version 2.0

What the AI Plan asks AI Plan

Chief AI Officer
not mentioned

Dates as of 12 Oct 2026

Review schedule
annually and when the approach changes
Says it was last updated
Mar 2026
Last change we saw
21 Apr 2026
Updated since policy v2.0
yes
Annual review
stated date within the last year

Commitments

  • will not AI systems do not make automated decisions directly affecting the public, funding recipients or beneficiaries
  • human oversight Any AI-produced content must be reviewed before publication
  • human oversight AI tools support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement; staff remain responsible for final decisions
  • will Use the DTA's AI assurance framework to review AI's impact on ACIAR
  • will Adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and the DTA policy for responsible AI in government
  • will Statement reviewed annually or when ACIAR's use of AI changes significantly

The statement

How to read this

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement Also appears in 18 other agencies AASB AFP AFSA ARPC AUASB BOM DFAT DSS DVA EDUCATION FINANCE HSRA NAA NLA PC PSR SIA TEQSA

ACIAR’s commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports our mission to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, for the benefit of developing countries and Australia, through international agricultural research partnerships. ACIAR uses the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of AI, as ‘a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.’

While AI offers numerous opportunities, it also introduces new risks that require careful management. This Statement outlines our approach to AI use within Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0, setting a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI. This policy applies to all ACIAR staff, contractors and service providers and also aligns with the Standard for AI transparency statements and Staff guidance on government use of public generative AI tools.

Our Approach to AI Adoption

Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft Copilot as its enterprise AI tool. It assists staff by drafting and summarising documents, analysing substantial volumes of text-based information, improving search capabilities and knowledge discovery, and supporting various administrative and corporate functions.

ACIAR’s current AI use falls into the following categories:

  • Efficiency Through Automation : Copilot helps streamline repetitive tasks, such as meeting transcriptions, note-taking, and data organisation, increasing efficiency and productivity.
  • Enhanced Productivity : Copilot assists with drafting, document structuring, and content summarisation, creating a more efficient and effective workflow.
  • Collaboration : Copilot supports real-time teamwork, providing insights and suggestions that promote consistency and quality across projects.

We maintain a culture of responsible AI use through regular staff communications and ongoing training. AI systems used by ACIAR do not make automated decisions that directly affect the public, funding recipients or program beneficiaries.

Governance, Risk Management and Assurance

ACIAR uses DTA’s AI assurance framework to review the impact of AI use. In governing the use of AI, ACIAR also adheres to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's:

ACIAR complies with all applicable laws, including the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is minimised, anonymised, and protected with strong security measures. Security considerations in relation to the use of AI are consistent with relevant cyber security strategies, including Essential Eight strategies to mitigating cyber security incidents, the updated Protective Security Policy Framework, and relevant polices and legislations of impacted jurisdictions.

All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by ACIAR staff before being used in official documents, communications, or decisions. AI tools are used to support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement.

ACIAR staff remain responsible for all final decisions and advice.

Ethical and Legal Compliance

ACIAR’s AI practices reflect Australia’s eight AI Ethics Principles and adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct. Our commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability underpins all governance over the use of AI at ACIAR.

For more information on AI use at ACIAR, please contact us.

The first version of this Statement was published in March 2025, followed by an annual update published in March 2026. This Statement will be reviewed annually, or when there are significant changes to ACIAR’s use of AI technologies.

ACIAR Statement on the Responsible Use of AI 367.3 KB - pdf

Statement text © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Most agency content is CC BY 4.0; check the original for its terms.

Every version

Every copy the daily scrape saved that differed from the one before, including minor edits. Pick a dot to see the statement as it was then.

  1. substantive +1777

    ACIAR rewrites its statement for policy v2.0. It adds governance frameworks, privacy and security, human review, a contact point and an annual review cadence, and drops its detailed staff-use rules.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement ## Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence processes and can enhance functionality in standalone applications or alongside existing ones. Introduction ACIAR’s commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports our mission to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, for the benefit of developing countries and Australia, through international agricultural research partnerships. ACIAR uses the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/explanatory-memorandum-on-the-updated-oecd-definition-of-an-ai-system_623da898-en.html) of AI, as ‘a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.’ ## Background While AI offers numerous opportunities, it also introduces new risks that require careful management. This Statement outlines our approach to AI use within ACIAR, in accordance with the DTA's [pustralian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for the responsible AIuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). This policy applies to all ACIAR staff, contractors and service providers, noting AI is not used for decision-making purposes at ACIAR. ## Policy AI technologies will be adopted only after a thorough risk assessment and monitored for compliance. Official information must not be entered into public AI services unless already public. Email accounts cannot be used with public AI services without approval. Commercial AI tools require executive approval, and any AI-produced content must be reviewed before publication. Automated decision-making tools need significant risk assessai/ai-in-government-policy/accountability), setting a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI. This policy applies to all ACIAR staff, contractors and service providers and also aligns with the [Standard for AI transparency statements](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-08/Standard%20for%20AI%20transparency%20statements%20v1.1.pdf) and [Staff guidance on government use of public generative AI tools](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/staff-guidance-public-generative-ai). ## Our Approach to AI Adoption Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft Copilot as its enterprise AI tool. It assists staff by drafting and summarising documents, and approval. AI tools must not access restricted information, perform illegal activities, or assess staff performance. Misuse or risks identified must be reported immediately. Administrative decisions aided by AI will be clearly indicated. ## AI applicaalysing substantial volumes of text-based information, improving search capabilities and knowledge discovery, and supporting various administrative and corporate functions. Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft's Copilot as its AI tool. Copilot facilitates staff in various activities by leveraging AI capabilitieACIAR’s current AI use falls into the following ways: - **Automation and Efficiency -** Copilot automatescategories: - **Efficiency Through Automation** : Copilot helps streamline repetitive tasks, such as meeting transcriptions, minunote-taking, email searching and data sorting, thereby enabling staff to concentrate on more complex and value-added aganisation, increasing efficiency and productivitiesy. - **OffiEnhanced Productivity -** : Copilot enhances textual interpretation and geneassists with draftion by understanding and responding in natural language. This includesng, document structuring docum, and contents, summarising written material and assisting with drafting contentation, creating a more efficient and effective workflow. - **Collaboration -** : Copilot aids insupports real-time collaboration by providing suggestions and insights during document creation, ensuring consistency and improving the overall quality of the work produced. By utilising Copilot, ACIAR aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve productivity and support collaborative efforts, while maintaining a high standard of quality and accuracy. ## Monitoring and governance Bias cteamwork, providing insights and suggestions that promote consistency and quality across projects. We maintain a culture of responsible AI use through regular staff communications and ongoing training. AI systems used by ACIAR do not make automated decisions that directly affect the public, funding recipients or program beneficiaries. ## Governance, Risk Management and Assurance ACIAR uses DTA’s [AI assurance framework](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-framework) to review the impact of AI use. In governing the use of AI, ACIAR also adheres to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's: - [Technical stan darise from data selection or software models, leading to skewed results. AI might produce false information and/or result with privacy risks. It may also provide outdated or inaccurate data and could diminish individual creativity, resulting in homogenised content. Monitoring and governance of AI systems are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with bias, false information and privacy concerns. Establishing robust frameworks that include continuous monitoring, regular audits and compliance with establishedd for government’s use of artificial intelligence](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/AI-technical-standard) - [AI Impact Assessment Tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/impact-assessment-tool) - [Guidance on AI procurement in government](https://www.buyict.gov.au/public/en/buyers?id=public_content_navigation&topic_id=09f5d0e81b762a50f421db96b04bcb94) - [APS AI Plan 2025](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/australian-public-service-ai-plan-2025/what-we-plan-achieve) - Other applicable internal policies and governance frameworks. ## Privacy and Security ACIAR complies with all applicable laws, including the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is minimised, anonymised, and protected with strong security measures. Security considerations in relation to the use of AI are consistent with relevant cyber security strategies, including [Essential Eight](https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/asds-cyber-security-frameworks/essential-eight) strategies to mitigating cyber security incidents, the updated [Protective Security Policy Framework](https://www.protectivesecurity.gov.au/), and relevant policies can help ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI. Transparency in data sources, algorithmic accountability and stakeholder involvement are key components of effective governance. By implementing these measures, we can foster trust and integrity in AI applicd legislations of impacted jurisdictions. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by ACIAR staff before being used in official documents, communications, or decisions. AI tools are used to support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement. ACIAR staff remain responsible for all final decisions and advice. ## Ethical and Legal Compliance ACIAR’s AI practices reflect Australia’s eight AI Ethics Principles and adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, ensurincluding they deliver accurate, reliable and fair outcomes. ACIAR acknowledges the rapid evolution of AI technology and commits to continuous monitoring to ensure that policies, tools and their usage remain current. Internal governance mechanisms will be employed to Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct. Our commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability underpins all governance oversee the use developments. ## Compliance We will use the DTA’s [AI assurance frameworkof AI at ACIAR. ## Contact For more information on AI use at ACIAR, please [contact us](https://www.digitalaciar.gov.au/policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-framework) to review the impact of AI on ACIAR’s strategic footprint. ACIAR will also adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's [policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy)form/contact-us?__cf_chl_tk=rtzp3EzVzOGvTQJ1zurnQ9WboFZpeMff0A4ij.IwtdI-1773285403-1.0.1.1-ZxD_d3yobBDllExQ2f1MSpNu01dtBlJN6V9z9R.iWrE). ## Review and updates The first version of this Statement was published in March 2025, followed by an annual update published in March 2026. This Statement will be reviewed annually, or when there are significant changes to ACIAR’s use of AI technologies. [ ACIAR Statement on the Responsible Use of AI.pdf 723 367.39 KB - pdf ](https://www.aciar.gov.au/sites/default/files/20256-043/ACIAR%20-Statement%20on%20the%20Responsible%20Use%20of%20-on-the-Responsible-Use-of-AI.pdf) [Accountability](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=%22Accountability%22) [AI](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=%22AI%22) \[Artificial Intelligence\](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Artificial Intelligence") [Governance](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=%22Governance%22) [Responsibility](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=%22Responsibility%22) [Transparency](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=%22Transparency%22)
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  2. first tracked +4637

    First tracked version.

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