Australian Electoral Commission

Australian Electoral Commission Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement
Background The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) notes the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government (the Policy) requires that relevant agencies, including the AEC, release a transparency statement providing information about their use of AI.
Consistent with the Policy, the AEC has provided the Digital Transformation Agency a link to this statement on the AEC website.
The Policy also requires the AEC to nominate an accountable official for the implementation of the Policy. The AEC’s accountable official is the First Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Transformation Group. The AEC’s use of AI We have an internal policy on the use of AI by staff, which staff are required to follow when using AEC approved AI tools. This policy encourages and assists staff to:
• not rely on the authenticity or veracity of content generated by AI, without human review • understand safe and responsible use of AI in accordance with Australia's AI ethics framework • not use AI as part of any AEC interaction with the public. The AEC also has an AI assurance assessment process in place to assess potential AI tools for use based on the Pilot Australian Government AI assurance framework. The AEC’s use of AI includes: • GitHub Copilot - GitHub Copilot is a generative AI tool for technical staff, designed to improve productivity and efficiency of software application development. • Microsoft Copilot - The AEC is conducting a limited trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot (licensed version) for staff using their AEC corporate accounts to evaluate its potential for supporting corporate tasks and individual productivity tasks. As a prerequisite to using Copilot, AEC staff are required to complete internal training on the use of generative AI. • Other – Some AEC staff have access to assistive and adaptive technologies such as
speech-to-text software along with a limited number of staff in our graphical design area who use AI to generate educational images. The AEC uses AI in the following domain and usage pattern: • Domain: Corporate and enabling. The AEC’s current use relates to supporting corporate functions and improving operational efficiency. • Usage pattern: Workplace productivity. The AEC’s current use is for workplace productivity purposes. This includes summarising and analysing data and information, automating or reducing time spent on administrative tasks and supporting software application development. More information about usage patterns and domains is available at Classification system for AI use | digital.gov.au Identifying and protecting against risks to electoral integrity The AEC acknowledges the transformative potential of AI for society and government, including operational efficiencies and enhanced data analysis. The 2024 Australian Government trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot showed productivity improvements but also highlighted barriers, concerns, and risks associated with AI in government. Public trust in the AEC is crucial for maintaining confidence in electoral processes and results, which is essential for defending Australia's democracy. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, meeting community and stakeholder expectations is increasingly complex. To maintain public confidence, the AEC emphasises the importance of transparency in how AI is used in its operations, security, and information systems as detailed above in "The AEC’s use of AI”. Third-party suppliers The AEC has processes in place to manage the potential use of AI by third-party suppliers. Agreements with third party providers contain confidentiality requirements that the provider is contractually required to adhere to. Where applicable, the AEC additionally requires all relevant provider personnel are Australian citizens and may require that personnel possess Australian Government security clearances at a level the AEC deems appropriate per-role.
For applicable agreements (i.e. managed service arrangements), the AEC contractually requires that AEC data remains onshore in Australia.
In cases where the provider is delivering an IT capability that processes AEC data, such solutions are subject to the AEC’s review and approval through its governance processes. Any potential utilisation of AI as part of such solutions would be identified as part of this process, including with respect to potential data sovereignty issues. Governance and legislation Governance Structure Senior Executive Committee (SEC): • overarching monitoring of performance, accountability, risk, and agency direction • chaired by the Australian Electoral Commissioner • approves which AI tools can be used at the AEC in conjunction with the Investment Committee. Investment Committee: • security and risk considerations relating to AI use • strategic transformation and investment considerations relating to AI use. Advisory Audit Committee: • established under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Compliance with Legislation and Regulation • Privacy Act 1988: Regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal information by AI • Archives Act 1983: Governs records created by AI • Freedom of Information Act 1982: Provides public access to documents created by AI. Oversight and Audits • Compliance overseen by the SEC. • Internal audits are conducted to detect non-compliance. • The Regulatory Action Plan guides the AEC's approach to regulatory compliance, including application of the new AI Policy. Updates to this statement Consistent with the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government, this statement will be updated at least once a year, or as the AEC’s approach to AI changes or evolves. This statement was updated on 25 September 2025 and is authorised by AEC’s AI Accountable Officer. Contact Enquires may be directed to media@aec.gov.au

Australian Electoral Commission Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement
Background The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) notes the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government (the Policy) requires that relevant agencies, including the AEC, release a transparency statement providing information about their use of AI.
Consistent with the Policy, the AEC has provided the Digital Transformation Agency a link to this statement on the AEC website.
The Policy also requires the AEC to nominate an accountable official for the implementation of the Policy. The AEC’s AI Accountable Official is the First Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Transformation Group. The AEC has also appointed the Chief Information Officer to the role of the Chief AI Officer in recognition of the fundamental shift that generative AI is bringing to government operations and as required in the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service.
The AEC’s use of AI We have an internal policy on the use of AI by staff, which staff are required to follow when using AEC approved AI tools. This policy encourages and assists staff to:
• not rely on the authenticity or veracity of content generated by AI, without human review • understand safe and responsible use of AI in accordance with Australia's AI ethics framework • not use AI as part of any AEC interaction with the public. The AEC also has an AI assurance assessment process in place to assess potential AI tools for use based on the Pilot Australian Government AI assurance framework. The AEC’s use of AI includes: • GitHub Copilot - GitHub Copilot is a generative AI tool for technical staff, designed to improve productivity and efficiency of software application development. • Microsoft 365 Copilot - The AEC is conducting a limited trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot (licensed version) for staff using their AEC corporate accounts to evaluate its potential for supporting corporate tasks and individual productivity tasks. As a prerequisite to using Microsoft 365 Copilot, AEC staff are required to complete internal training on the use of generative AI. The AEC’s use of Microsoft co-pilot makes certain high-volume, manual tasks quicker – this allows AEC staff to use more of their expertise on higher-value work and make more informed decisions.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat - By enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for all staff, the AEC is enhancing staff productivity and collaboration across teams. In no way does the AEC’s use of Copilot replace AEC staff, their expertise or thorough consideration of their work. Protections are also in place to ensure it is a secure environment – it operates within Microsoft 365’s enterprise grade security controls and it is not used to train AI models. • Other – Some AEC staff have access to assistive and adaptive technologies such as
speech-to-text software along with a limited number of staff in our graphical design area who use AI to generate educational images. Key election operations – including voting and the counting process – are undertaken manually, in accordance with electoral law.
The AEC uses AI in the following domain and usage pattern: • Domain: Corporate and enabling. The AEC’s current use relates to supporting corporate functions and improving operational efficiency. • Usage pattern: Workplace productivity. The AEC’s current use is for workplace productivity purposes. This includes summarising and analysing data and information, automating or reducing time spent on administrative tasks and supporting software application development. More information about usage patterns and domains is available at Classification system for AI use | digital.gov.au Identifying and protecting against risks to electoral integrity The AEC acknowledges the transformative potential of AI for society and government, including operational efficiencies and enhanced data analysis. The 2024 Australian Government trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot showed productivity improvements but also highlighted barriers, concerns, and risks associated with AI in government. Public trust in the AEC is crucial for maintaining confidence in electoral processes and results, which is essential for defending Australia's democracy. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, meeting community and stakeholder expectations is increasingly complex. To maintain public confidence, the AEC emphasises the importance of transparency in how AI is used in its operations, security, and information systems as detailed above in "The AEC’s use of AI”. Third-party suppliers The AEC has processes in place to manage the potential use of AI by third-party suppliers. Agreements with third party providers contain confidentiality requirements that the provider is contractually required to adhere to. Where applicable, the AEC additionally requires all relevant provider personnel are Australian citizens and may require that personnel possess Australian Government security clearances at a level the AEC deems appropriate per-role.
For applicable agreements (i.e. managed service arrangements), the AEC contractually requires that AEC data remains onshore in Australia.
In cases where the provider is delivering an IT capability that processes AEC data, such solutions are subject to the AEC’s review and approval through its governance processes. Any potential utilisation of AI as part of such solutions would be identified as part of this process, including with respect to potential data sovereignty issues. Governance and legislation Governance Structure Senior Executive Committee (SEC): • overarching monitoring of performance, accountability, risk, and agency direction • chaired by the Australian Electoral Commissioner • approves which AI tools can be used at the AEC in conjunction with the Investment Committee. Investment Committee: • security and risk considerations relating to AI use • strategic transformation and investment considerations relating to AI use.

Advisory Audit Committee: • established under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Compliance with Legislation and Regulation • Privacy Act 1988: Regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal information by AI • Archives Act 1983: Governs records created by AI • Freedom of Information Act 1982: Provides public access to documents created by AI. Oversight and Audits • Compliance overseen by the SEC. • Internal audits are conducted to detect non-compliance. • The Regulatory Action Plan guides the AEC's approach to regulatory compliance, including application of the new AI Policy. Updates to this statement Consistent with the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government, this statement will be updated at least once a year, or when the AEC makes a substantial change to the agency's approach to AI, or when any new factor materially impacts the existing statement's accuracy. This statement was updated on 9 February 2026 and is authorised by AEC’s AI Accountable Officer. Contact Enquires may be directed to media@aec.gov.au

Australian Electoral Commission Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement
Background The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) notes the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government (the Policy) requires that relevant agencies, including the AEC, release a transparency statement providing information about their use of AI.
Consistent with the Policy, the AEC has provided the Digital Transformation Agency a link to this statement on the AEC website.
The Policy also requires the AEC to nominate an accountable official for the implementation of the Policy. The AEC’s AI Accountable Official is the First Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Transformation Group. The AEC has also appointed the Chief Information Officer to the role of the Chief AI Officer in recognition of the fundamental shift that generative AI is bringing to government operations and as required in the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service.
The AEC’s use of AI We have an internal policy on the use of AI by staff, which staff are required to follow when using AEC approved AI tools. This policy encourages and assists staff to:
• not rely on the authenticity or veracity of content generated by AI, without human review • understand safe and responsible use of AI in accordance with Australia's AI ethics framework • not use AI as part of any AEC interaction with the public. The AEC also has an AI assurance assessment process in place to assess potential AI tools for use based on the Pilot Australian Government AI assurance framework. The AEC’s use of AI includes: • GitHub Copilot - GitHub Copilot is a generative AI tool for technical staff, designed to improve productivity and efficiency of software application development. • Microsoft 365 Copilot - The AEC is conducting a limited trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot (licensed version) for staff using their AEC corporate accounts to evaluate its potential for supporting corporate tasks and individual productivity tasks. As a prerequisite to using Microsoft 365 Copilot, AEC staff are required to complete internal training on the use of generative AI. The AEC’s use of Microsoft co-pilot makes certain high-volume, manual tasks quicker – this allows AEC staff to use more of their expertise on higher-value work and make more informed decisions.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat - By enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for all staff, the AEC is enhancing staff productivity and collaboration across teams. In no way does the AEC’s use of Copilot replace AEC staff, their expertise or thorough consideration of their work. Protections are also in place to ensure it is a secure environment – it operates within Microsoft 365’s enterprise grade security controls and it is not used to train AI models. • Other – Some AEC staff have access to assistive and adaptive technologies such as
speech-to-text software along with a limited number of staff in our graphical design area who use AI to generate educational images. Key election operations – including voting and the counting process – are undertaken manually, in accordance with electoral law.
The AEC uses AI in the following domain and usage pattern: • Domain: Corporate and enabling. The AEC’s current use relates to supporting corporate functions and improving operational efficiency. • Usage pattern: Workplace productivity. The AEC’s current use is for workplace productivity purposes. This includes summarising and analysing data and information, automating or reducing time spent on administrative tasks and supporting software application development. More information about usage patterns and domains is available at Classification system for AI use | digital.gov.au Identifying and protecting against risks to electoral integrity The AEC acknowledges the transformative potential of AI for society and government, including operational efficiencies and enhanced data analysis. The 2024 Australian Government trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot showed productivity improvements but also highlighted barriers, concerns, and risks associated with AI in government. Public trust in the AEC is crucial for maintaining confidence in electoral processes and results, which is essential for defending Australia's democracy. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, meeting community and stakeholder expectations is increasingly complex. To maintain public confidence, the AEC emphasises the importance of transparency in how AI is used in its operations, security, and information systems as detailed above in "The AEC’s use of AI”. Third-party suppliers The AEC has processes in place to manage the potential use of AI by third-party suppliers. Agreements with third party providers contain confidentiality requirements that the provider is contractually required to adhere to. Where applicable, the AEC additionally requires all relevant provider personnel are Australian citizens and may require that personnel possess Australian Government security clearances at a level the AEC deems appropriate per-role.
For applicable agreements (i.e. managed service arrangements), the AEC contractually requires that AEC data remains onshore in Australia.
In cases where the provider is delivering an IT capability that processes AEC data, such solutions are subject to the AEC’s review and approval through its governance processes. Any potential utilisation of AI as part of such solutions would be identified as part of this process, including with respect to potential data sovereignty issues. Governance and legislation Governance Structure Senior Executive Committee (SEC): • overarching monitoring of performance, accountability, risk, and agency direction • chaired by the Australian Electoral Commissioner • approves which AI tools can be used at the AEC in conjunction with the Investment Committee. Investment Committee: • security and risk considerations relating to AI use • strategic transformation and investment considerations relating to AI use.

Advisory Audit Committee: • established under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Compliance with Legislation and Regulation • Privacy Act 1988: Regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal information by AI • Archives Act 1983: Governs records created by AI • Freedom of Information Act 1982: Provides public access to documents created by AI. Oversight and Audits • Compliance overseen by the SEC. • Internal audits are conducted to detect non-compliance. • The Regulatory Action Plan guides the AEC's approach to regulatory compliance, including application of the new AI Policy. Updates to this statement Consistent with the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government, this statement will be updated at least once a year, or when the AEC makes a substantial change to the agency's approach to AI, or when any new factor materially impacts the existing statement's accuracy. This statement was updated on 9 February 2026 and is authorised by AEC’s AI Accountable Officer. Contact Enquires may be directed to media@aec.gov.au

Australian Electoral Commission Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement

Background

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) notes the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government (the Policy) requires that relevant agencies, including the AEC, release a transparency statement providing information about their use of AI.

Consistent with the Policy, the AEC has provided the Digital Transformation Agency a link to this statement on the AEC website.

The Policy also requires the AEC to nominate an accountable official for the implementation of the Policy. The AEC's AI Accountable Official is the First Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Transformation Group. The AEC has also appointed the Chief Information Officer to the role of the Chief AI Officer in recognition of the fundamental shift that generative AI is bringing to government operations and as required in the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service.

The AEC's use of AI

We have an internal policy on the use of AI by staff, which staff are required to follow when using AEC approved AI tools. This policy encourages and assists staff to:

• not rely on the authenticity or veracity of content generated by AI, without human review
• understand safe and responsible use of AI in accordance with Australia's AI ethics framework
• not use AI as part of any AEC interaction with the public.

The AEC also has an AI assurance assessment process in place to assess potential AI tools for use based on the Pilot Australian Government AI assurance framework.

The AEC's use of AI includes:

• GitHub Copilot - GitHub Copilot is a generative AI tool for technical staff, designed to improve productivity and efficiency of software application development.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot - The AEC is conducting a limited trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot (licensed version) for staff using their AEC corporate accounts to evaluate its potential for supporting corporate tasks and individual productivity tasks. As a prerequisite to using Microsoft 365 Copilot, AEC staff are required to complete internal training on the use of generative AI. The AEC's use of Microsoft co-pilot makes certain high-volume, manual tasks quicker – this allows AEC staff to use more of their expertise on higher-value work and make more informed decisions.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat - By enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for all staff, the AEC is enhancing staff productivity and collaboration across teams. In no way does the AEC's use of Copilot replace AEC staff, their expertise or thorough consideration of their work. Protections are also in place to ensure it is a secure environment – it operates within Microsoft 365's enterprise grade security controls and it is not used to train AI models.
• Other – Some AEC staff have access to assistive and adaptive technologies such as speech-to-text software along with a limited number of staff in our graphical design area who use AI to generate educational images.

Key election operations – including voting and the counting process – are undertaken manually, in accordance with electoral law.

The AEC uses AI in the following domain and usage pattern:

• Domain: Corporate and enabling. The AEC's current use relates to supporting corporate functions and improving operational efficiency.
• Usage pattern: Workplace productivity. The AEC's current use is for workplace productivity purposes. This includes summarising and analysing data and information, automating or reducing time spent on administrative tasks and supporting software application development.

More information about usage patterns and domains is available at Classification system for AI use | digital.gov.au

Identifying and protecting against risks to electoral integrity

The AEC acknowledges the transformative potential of AI for society and government, including operational efficiencies and enhanced data analysis. The 2024 Australian Government trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot showed productivity improvements but also highlighted barriers, concerns, and risks associated with AI in government.

Public trust in the AEC is crucial for maintaining confidence in electoral processes and results, which is essential for defending Australia's democracy. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, meeting community and stakeholder expectations is increasingly complex.

To maintain public confidence, the AEC emphasises the importance of transparency in how AI is used in its operations, security, and information systems as detailed above in "The AEC's use of AI".

Third-party suppliers

The AEC has processes in place to manage the potential use of AI by third-party suppliers. Agreements with third party providers contain confidentiality requirements that the provider is contractually required to adhere to. Where applicable, the AEC additionally requires all relevant provider personnel are Australian citizens and may require that personnel possess Australian Government security clearances at a level the AEC deems appropriate per-role.

For applicable agreements (i.e. managed service arrangements), the AEC contractually requires that AEC data remains onshore in Australia.

In cases where the provider is delivering an IT capability that processes AEC data, such solutions are subject to the AEC's review and approval through its governance processes. Any potential utilisation of AI as part of such solutions would be identified as part of this process, including with respect to potential data sovereignty issues.

Governance and legislation

Governance Structure

Senior Executive Committee (SEC):

• overarching monitoring of performance, accountability, risk, and agency direction
• chaired by the Australian Electoral Commissioner
• approves which AI tools can be used at the AEC in conjunction with the Investment Committee.

Investment Committee:

• security and risk considerations relating to AI use
• strategic transformation and investment considerations relating to AI use.

Advisory Audit Committee:

• established under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

Compliance with Legislation and Regulation

• Privacy Act 1988: Regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal information by AI
• Archives Act 1983: Governs records created by AI
• Freedom of Information Act 1982: Provides public access to documents created by AI.

Oversight and Audits

• Compliance overseen by the SEC.
• Internal audits are conducted to detect non-compliance.
• The Regulatory Action Plan guides the AEC's approach to regulatory compliance, including application of the new AI Policy.

Updates to this statement

Consistent with the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government, this statement will be updated at least once a year, or when the AEC makes a substantial change to the agency's approach to AI, or when any new factor materially impacts the existing statement's accuracy. This statement was updated on 9 February 2026 and is authorised by AEC's AI Accountable Officer.

Contact

Enquires may be directed to media@aec.gov.au