Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency StatementAlso appears in 18 other agenciesAASBAFPAFSAARPCAUASBBOMDFATDSSDVAEDUCATIONFINANCEHSRANAANLAPCPSRSIATEQSA
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:
- Technical standard for government’s use of artificial intelligenceAlso appears in 1 other agencyDCCEEW
- AI Impact Assessment ToolAlso appears in 1 other agencyDCCEEW
- Guidance on AI procurement in governmentAlso appears in 1 other agencyDCCEEW
- Other applicable internal policies and governance frameworks.
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement
Background
Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence processes and can enhance functionality in standalone applications or alongside existing ones. 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 policy for responsible AI in government. 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 assessment 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 applications
Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft's Copilot as its AI tool. Copilot facilitates staff in various activities by leveraging AI capabilities in the following ways:
- Automation and Efficiency - Copilot automates repetitive tasks such as meeting transcriptions, minute-taking, email searching and data sorting, thereby enabling staff to concentrate on more complex and value-added activities.
- Office Productivity - Copilot enhances textual interpretation and generation by understanding and responding in natural language. This includes structuring documents, summarising written material and assisting with drafting content.
- Collaboration - Copilot aids in 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 can arise 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 established 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 applications, ensuring 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 oversee these developments.
Compliance
We will use the DTA’s 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.
ACIAR Statement on the Responsible Use of AI.pdf 723.39 KB - pdf
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Statement text © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).