The statement
Artificial Intelligence transparency statementAlso appears in 11 other agenciesADHAAFMACCACGCDCCEEWDISRFWCHOUSEREPSIPAJSANZEA
The Policy for the responsible use of AI in government version 2.0 (the policy) provides mandatory requirements for departments and agencies relating to: (Template language)
- developing a strategic position on AI adoption;
- operationalising the responsible use of AI;
- AI use case accountability;
- internal use case registers;
- AI use case impact assessment.
The policy sets out the Australian Government’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This page provides details of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) implementation of these policy requirements to ensure our use of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal.
DAFF aligns to the definition of AI in the policy:
An AI system is 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 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This definition and the scope of this statement exclude rules-based automation, as these systems do not infer or predict how to generate outputs from the inputs it receives.
DAFF’s approach to AI adoption and use
DAFF is committed to ensuring the governance, design and application of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal, in alignment with our vision and values, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, APS Experience Design Principles, and the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service 2025.
DAFF is exploring the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to improve regulatory service delivery and decision-making. For more information, see the Data and Digital Government Strategy. DAFF will continue to explore innovative ways of using AI in alignment with the Government’s broader commitment to uplift data capability across the Australian Public Service (APS).
DAFF is committed to building strong governance foundations to support the safe and responsible use of AI.
All staff have access to the AI in Government fundamentals training, produced by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), and are required to report on the use of AI to the department’s Digital Business Division who manage the internal use case register. The department actively encourages staff to undertake the AI in Government fundamentals training through regular communications and promotional events.
Additionally, DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence User Acceptance requirement , which staff must confirm and acknowledge that they are familiar with before accessing external generative AI tools online. This requires staff to agree that they will:
- Be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and relevancy of any content generated by any Artificial Intelligence platform.
- Not input any personal, sensitive or classified information that may be subject to third party restrictions.
Through the User Acceptance page, staff are reminded that they must act in accordance with the Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework, Information Security Manual and internal departmental policies. Staff are also encouraged to read the department’s ICT Acceptable Use and Security Policies and Privacy Policy and are required to complete mandatory annual training on these topics.
Based on the classification system detailed in the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, DAFF uses AI in the following ways: (Template language)
- Compliance and fraud detectionAlso appears in 8 other agenciesAGDATOCERDFATDHACOPCRAMSERVICESAUSTRALIA
The department is using AI to:
- Improve workplace productivity by automating routine tasks, supporting workflows, brainstorming and creation of draft content, and facilitating communications
- Summarise high volumes of documents or information
- Identify and understand patterns from dataset(s) to produce insights and reporting
- Categorise documents for storage and retention.
DAFF does not currently use AI in any way that directly interacts with the public without a human intermediary or intervention.
Artificial Intelligence Accountable Official and Chief AI Officer (Template language)
DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence Accountable Official (AIAO) under the policy. The Chief Information and Security Officer has been designated as the Accountable Official. Previously, this role had been designated to the Chief Digital and Data Officer, who is now the Chief AI Officer. The AIAO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all AI obligations and implementation of the policy. (Template language)
Under the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service 2025, agencies must appoint a Chief AI Officer. The Chief Digital and Data Officer has been designated as the Chief AI Officer and is responsible for leading the AI strategy and implementation, propelling innovation, integrating AI into business processes and championing adoption of AI.
DAFF has an internal register of AI use cases. The internal register provides transparency and monitoring of AI use cases throughout the AI lifecycle.
- Ensure the design and application of AI is effectively governed and managed.
- Ensure risk management frameworks include AI-specific considerations, ensuring mitigation and controls are implemented when risks are identified.
- Ensure AI use cases undergo an assurance process and re tracked and monitored through the internal register across the AI lifecycle.
- Ensure AI use across the department is visible, to support the effective governance, assurance, reporting and risk management of use cases.
- Promote the safe and responsible use of AI to departmental staff.
- Promote collaboration across the department and other government agencies on the use of AI, including the ongoing development of resources to ensure its safe and responsible use.
DAFF will only utilise AI in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, frameworks, and policies.
DAFF acknowledges the value of strong governance, oversight, and accountability, and is dedicated to regularly reviewing and updating its AI guidance and practices. This includes keeping up-to-date with advancements in AI technology, ethics, regulatory requirements and Whole of Government initiatives, such as GovAI. As these services roll out, the department will seek to utilise the functions GovAI offers to the Australian Public Service. These may include services that feature learning resources, an AI app catalogue, peer-to-peer collaboration tools, and a secure sandbox environment for testing and experimentation. DAFF will adopt GovAI offerings where consistent with departmental and government priorities.
As the landscape evolves, DAFF will continue to systematically review relevant AI policies and frameworks in consultation with staff, stakeholders, the community and our partners, where appropriate.
DAFF acknowledges that the AI Transparency Statement will be updated and published:
- When making a significant change to our approach to AI.
- When any new factor materially impacts the existing statement’s accuracy.Also appears in 1 other agencyNACC
- This Transparency Statement was modified on 16 February 2026.
For any enquiries relating to DAFF’s use of AI or the information provided within this Transparency Statement, contact ai@aff.gov.au.
Sidebar first - About
- Reporting obligations
- Report on agency appointments
- Senate Order for Entity contracts listing
- Documents tabled in Parliament
- Australian public service employee census
- Emissions Reduction Plan
- Executive and highly-paid staff remuneration
- Gifts and benefits
- Government responses
- Grants reporting
- Indexed list of files
- Legal expenditure
- AI transparency statement
- Campaign certification statements
Artificial Intelligence transparency statement
The Policy for the responsible use of AI in government (the policy) provides mandatory requirements for departments and agencies relating to accountable officials, and transparency statements. The policy sets out the Australian Government’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). This page provides details of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) implementation of these policy requirements to ensure our use of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal.
Scope
DAFF aligns to the definition of AI in the policy:
An AI system is 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 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This definition and the scope of this statement excludes rules-based automation, as these systems do not infer or predict how to generate outputs from the inputs it receives.
DAFF’s approach to AI adoption and use
DAFF is committed to ensuring the governance, design and application of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal, in alignment with our vision and values, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and the APS Experience Design Principles.
DAFF is exploring the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to improve regulatory service delivery and decision-making. DAFF will continue to explore innovative ways of using AI. DAFF is committed to building strong governance foundations to support the safe and responsible use of AI.
All staff have access to the AI in Government fundamentals training, produced by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), and are required to report on the use of AI to the department’s Digital Business Division. The department actively encourages staff to undertake the AI in Government fundamentals training through regular communications and promotional materials.
Additionally, DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence User Acceptance requirement , which staff must confirm and acknowledge that they are familiar with before accessing generative AI tools online. This requires staff to agree that they will:
- Be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and relevancy of any content generated by any Artificial Intelligence platform.
- Not input any personal, sensitive or classified information that may be subject to government or third-party restrictions.
Staff are reminded that they may only input publicly available information and must act in accordance with the Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework and Information Security Manual. Staff are also encouraged to read the department’s ICT Acceptable Use and Security Policies and Privacy Policy and are required to complete mandatory annual training on these topics.
DAFF’s use of AI
Based on the classification system detailed in the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, DAFF uses AI in the following ways:
- Domains include:
- Corporate and enabling
- Scientific
- Service delivery
- Usage patterns include:
- Analytics for insights
- Workplace productivity
The department is using AI to:
- Automate routine tasks, manage workflows, create content, and facilitate communication
- Summarise high volumes of documents or information
- Identify, produce or understand insights from data
- Understand patterns and trends in large data sets
- Categorise documents for storage and retention.
DAFF does not currently use AI in any way that directly interacts with the public without a human intermediary or intervention.
Accountable Official
DAFF has an Accountable Official under the Policy. The Chief Data Officer (CDO) was designated as the Accountable Official on 16 October 2024.
AI safety and governance
DAFF has an internal register of AI use cases. The internal register provides transparency and monitoring of AI use cases throughout the AI lifecycle.
DAFF has measures to ensure:
- Ensure the design and application of AI is effectively governed and managed.
- Ensure risk management frameworks include AI**-** specific considerations, ensuring mitigation and controls are implemented when risks are identified.
- Ensure AI use cases are tracked and monitored through the internal register across the AI lifecycle.
- Ensure AI use across the department is visible, to support the effective governance, assurance, reporting and risk management of use cases.
- Promote the safe and responsible use of AI to departmental staff.
- Promote collaboration across the department and other government agencies on the use of AI, including the ongoing development of resources to ensure its safe and responsible use.
Compliance
DAFF will only utilise AI in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, frameworks, and policies.
Continuous Improvement
DAFF is committed to regularly reviewing and updating AI policies and practices. This includes staying informed about new developments in AI technology, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
For example, in September 2024, DAFF participated in the Pilot Australian Government AI Assurance Framework (AI Assurance Framework) and applied a number of aspects in the AI Assurance Framework to certain AI use case trials to test its application and impact. Following on from the pilot’s conclusion, DAFF uses the AI Assurance Framework to assess current AI use cases at the various stages of the AI lifecycle.
As the landscape evolves, DAFF will continue to systematically review relevant AI policies and frameworks in consultation with staff, stakeholders, the community and our partners, where appropriate.
Updates
DAFF acknowledges that the AI Transparency Statement will be updated and published:
- At least once a year.
- When making a significant change to our approach to AI.
- When any new factor materially impacts the existing statement’s accuracy.
- This Transparency Statement was modified on 25 July 2025.
Contact us
For any enquiries relating to DAFF’s use of AI or the information provided within this Transparency Statement, contact ai@aff.gov.au.
Artificial Intelligence transparency statement
The Policy for the responsible use of AI in government (the policy) provides mandatory requirements for departments and agencies relating to accountable officials, and transparency statements. The policy sets out the Australian Government’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). This page provides details of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) implementation of these policy requirements to ensure our use of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal.
Scope
DAFF aligns to the definition of AI in the policy:
An AI system is 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 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This definition and the scope of this statement excludes rules-based automation, as these systems do not infer or predict how to generate outputs from the inputs it receives.
DAFF’s approach to AI adoption and use
DAFF is committed to ensuring the governance, design and application of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal, in alignment with our vision and values, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and the APS Experience Design Principles.
DAFF is exploring the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to improve regulatory service delivery and decision-making. DAFF will continue to explore innovative ways of using AI. DAFF is committed to building strong governance foundations to support the safe and responsible use of AI.
All staff have access to the AI in Government fundamentals training, produced by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), and are required to report on the use of AI to the department’s Digital Business Division. The department actively encourages staff to undertake the AI in Government fundamentals training through regular communications and promotional materials.
Additionally, DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence User Acceptance requirement , which staff must confirm and acknowledge that they are familiar with before accessing generative AI tools online. This requires staff to agree that they will:
- Be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and relevancy of any content generated by any Artificial Intelligence platform.
- Not input any personal, sensitive or classified information that may be subject to government or third-party restrictions.
Staff are reminded that they may only input publicly available information and must act in accordance with the Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework and Information Security Manual. Staff are also encouraged to read the department’s ICT Acceptable Use and Security Policies and Privacy Policy and are required to complete mandatory annual training on these topics.
DAFF’s use of AI
Based on the classification system detailed in the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, DAFF uses AI in the following ways:
- Domains include:
- Corporate and enabling
- Scientific
- Service delivery
- Usage patterns include:
- Analytics for insights
- Workplace productivity
The department is using AI to:
- Automate routine tasks, manage workflows, create content, and facilitate communication
- Summarise high volumes of documents or information
- Identify, produce or understand insights from data
- Understand patterns and trends in large data sets
- Categorise documents for storage and retention.
DAFF does not currently use AI in any way that directly interacts with the public without a human intermediary or intervention.
Accountable Official
DAFF has an Accountable Official under the Policy. The Chief Data Officer (CDO) was designated as the Accountable Official on 16 October 2024.
AI safety and governance
DAFF has an internal register of AI use cases. The internal register provides transparency and monitoring of AI use cases throughout the AI lifecycle.
DAFF has measures to ensure:
- Ensure the design and application of AI is effectively governed and managed.
- Ensure risk management frameworks include AI**-** specific considerations, ensuring mitigation and controls are implemented when risks are identified.
- Ensure AI use cases are tracked and monitored through the internal register across the AI lifecycle.
- Ensure AI use across the department is visible, to support the effective governance, assurance, reporting and risk management of use cases.
- Promote the safe and responsible use of AI to departmental staff.
- Promote collaboration across the department and other government agencies on the use of AI, including the ongoing development of resources to ensure its safe and responsible use.
Compliance
DAFF will only utilise AI in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, frameworks, and policies.
Continuous Improvement
DAFF is committed to regularly reviewing and updating AI policies and practices. This includes staying informed about new developments in AI technology, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
For example, in September 2024, DAFF participated in the Pilot Australian Government AI Assurance Framework (AI Assurance Framework) and applied a number of aspects in the AI Assurance Framework to certain AI use case trials to test its application and impact. Following on from the pilot’s conclusion, DAFF uses the AI Assurance Framework to assess current AI use cases at the various stages of the AI lifecycle.
As the landscape evolves, DAFF will continue to systematically review relevant AI policies and frameworks in consultation with staff, stakeholders, the community and our partners, where appropriate.
Updates
DAFF acknowledges that the AI Transparency Statement will be updated and published:
- At least once a year.
- When making a significant change to our approach to AI.
- When any new factor materially impacts the existing statement’s accuracy.
- This Transparency Statement was modified on 25 July 2025.
Contact us
For any enquiries relating to DAFF’s use of AI or the information provided within this Transparency Statement, contact ai@aff.gov.au.
Artificial Intelligence transparency statement
The Policy for the responsible use of AI in government version 2.0 (the policy) provides mandatory requirements for departments and agencies relating to:
- accountable officials;
- transparency statements;
- developing a strategic position on AI adoption;
- operationalising the responsible use of AI;
- AI use case accountability;
- internal use case registers;
- staff training on AI; and
- AI use case impact assessment.
The policy sets out the Australian Government’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This page provides details of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) implementation of these policy requirements to ensure our use of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal.
Scope
DAFF aligns to the definition of AI in the policy:
An AI system is 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 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This definition and the scope of this statement exclude rules-based automation, as these systems do not infer or predict how to generate outputs from the inputs it receives.
DAFF’s approach to AI adoption and use
DAFF is committed to ensuring the governance, design and application of AI is safe, responsible, ethical and legal, in alignment with our vision and values, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, APS Experience Design Principles, and the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service 2025.
DAFF is exploring the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to improve regulatory service delivery and decision-making. For more information, see the Data and Digital Government Strategy. DAFF will continue to explore innovative ways of using AI in alignment with the Government’s broader commitment to uplift data capability across the Australian Public Service (APS).
DAFF is committed to building strong governance foundations to support the safe and responsible use of AI.
All staff have access to the AI in Government fundamentals training, produced by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), and are required to report on the use of AI to the department’s Digital Business Division who manage the internal use case register. The department actively encourages staff to undertake the AI in Government fundamentals training through regular communications and promotional events.
Additionally, DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence User Acceptance requirement , which staff must confirm and acknowledge that they are familiar with before accessing external generative AI tools online. This requires staff to agree that they will:
- Be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and relevancy of any content generated by any Artificial Intelligence platform.
- Not input any personal, sensitive or classified information that may be subject to third party restrictions.
Through the User Acceptance page, staff are reminded that they must act in accordance with the Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework, Information Security Manual and internal departmental policies. Staff are also encouraged to read the department’s ICT Acceptable Use and Security Policies and Privacy Policy and are required to complete mandatory annual training on these topics.
DAFF’s use of AI
Based on the classification system detailed in the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, DAFF uses AI in the following ways:
- Domains include:
- Corporate and enabling
- Scientific
- Service delivery
- Compliance and fraud detection
- Usage patterns include:
- Analytics for insights
- Workplace productivity
The department is using AI to:
- Improve workplace productivity by automating routine tasks, supporting workflows, brainstorming and creation of draft content, and facilitating communications
- Summarise high volumes of documents or information
- Identify and understand patterns from dataset(s) to produce insights and reporting
- Categorise documents for storage and retention.
DAFF does not currently use AI in any way that directly interacts with the public without a human intermediary or intervention.
Artificial Intelligence Accountable Official and Chief AI Officer
DAFF has an Artificial Intelligence Accountable Official (AIAO) under the policy. The Chief Information and Security Officer has been designated as the Accountable Official. Previously, this role had been designated to the Chief Digital and Data Officer, who is now the Chief AI Officer. The AIAO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all AI obligations and implementation of the policy.
Under the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service 2025, agencies must appoint a Chief AI Officer (CAIO). The Chief Digital and Data Officer has been designated as the CAIO and is responsible for leading the AI strategy and implementation, propelling innovation, integrating AI into business processes and championing adoption of AI.
AI safety and governance
DAFF has an internal register of AI use cases. The internal register provides transparency and monitoring of AI use cases throughout the AI lifecycle.
DAFF has measures to:
- Ensure the design and application of AI is effectively governed and managed.
- Ensure risk management frameworks include AI-specific considerations, ensuring mitigation and controls are implemented when risks are identified.
- Ensure AI use cases undergo an assurance process and re tracked and monitored through the internal register across the AI lifecycle.
- Ensure AI use across the department is visible, to support the effective governance, assurance, reporting and risk management of use cases.
- Promote the safe and responsible use of AI to departmental staff.
- Promote collaboration across the department and other government agencies on the use of AI, including the ongoing development of resources to ensure its safe and responsible use.
Compliance
DAFF will only utilise AI in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, frameworks, and policies.
Continuous improvement
DAFF acknowledges the value of strong governance, oversight, and accountability, and is dedicated to regularly reviewing and updating its AI guidance and practices. This includes keeping up-to-date with advancements in AI technology, ethics, regulatory requirements and Whole of Government initiatives, such as GovAI. As these services roll out, the department will seek to utilise the functions GovAI offers to the Australian Public Service. These may include services that feature learning resources, an AI app catalogue, peer-to-peer collaboration tools, and a secure sandbox environment for testing and experimentation. DAFF will adopt GovAI offerings where consistent with departmental and government priorities.
As the landscape evolves, DAFF will continue to systematically review relevant AI policies and frameworks in consultation with staff, stakeholders, the community and our partners, where appropriate.
Updates
DAFF acknowledges that the AI Transparency Statement will be updated and published:
- At least once a year.
- When making a significant change to our approach to AI.
- When any new factor materially impacts the existing statement’s accuracy.
- This Transparency Statement was modified on 16 February 2026.
Contact Us
For any enquiries relating to DAFF’s use of AI or the information provided within this Transparency Statement, contact ai@aff.gov.au.
Statement text © Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).