APS AI Tracker

DFAT

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

View the original ↗

Tracked since 11 Nov 2025 · 2 changes of substance across 4 captures · last changed 3 June 2026

The story so far

How to read this

  1. Tracking begins. The statement already existed; when Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade first published it is not recorded.

  2. substantive DFAT rewrites its statement, naming its AI usage types and domains, the CIO as accountable official, human-in-the-loop oversight and annual review, while dropping the Copilot trial.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • Discloses AI usage types (analytics, workplace productivity, image processing) and domains (service delivery, compliance and fraud detection, policy and legal, corporate and enabling)
    • Names the Chief Information Officer as responsible for whole-of-government AI policy compliance, replacing vague 'relevant personnel'
    • Adds commitment to human oversight ('Human-in-the-Loop') and an Accountable Use Case Owner for each AI use
    • Adds review cadence: statement updated at least every twelve months
    • Adopts the OECD definition of AI and excludes rule-based analytics/automation
    • Removed: statement that the public has no access to DFAT AI tools or ability to contribute to outputs
    • Removed: disclosure of participation in the whole-of-government Copilot trial
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Public are not provided access to DFAT AI tools or ability to contribute to outputs
    • Named tool dropped: Microsoft 365 Copilot
    • Safeguard dropped: acceptable use policy
    • Domain added: compliance and fraud detection
    • Domain added: corporate and enabling
    • Domain added: policy and legal
    • Domain added: service delivery
    • New commitment (human oversight): AI only used in ways protecting security, privacy, transparency and ethics, always maintaining human-in-the-loop oversight
    • New commitment (will): Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner; risks assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly
    • New commitment (will): Statement will be updated at least every twelve months
    • Safeguard added: human review of outputs
    • Safeguard added: risk assessment
    • Safeguard added: testing or evaluation
    • Usage pattern added: analytics for insights
    • Usage pattern added: image processing
    • Public-facing AI use: none → not addressed
    • Review cadence: on change → annual and on change
    • Stated last-updated date: 2025-02-06 → 2025-12-03
    Show the words that changed ↓

  3. substantive DFAT names a Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer in place of the Chief Information Officer, and softens its pre-access AI training requirement.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer appointed in line with whole-of-government requirements
    • Removed: Chief Information Officer as the officer responsible for AI policy compliance and data integrity
    • Removed: requirement that staff complete responsible-AI training before being granted access (now just that staff using AI complete training)
    • New 3 June 2026 changelog entry recording the Chief AI Officer appointment
    • Opening reframed from enhancing secure business outcomes to supporting staff delivering national-interest outcomes
    • Chief AI Officer: not mentioned → in place
    • Stated last-updated date: 2025-12-03 → 2026-06-03
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

DFAT says it uses AI for analytics, workplace productivity and image processing across service delivery, compliance and fraud detection, policy and legal, and corporate domains. Each use case has an Accountable Use Case Owner, risks are assessed before implementation, human-in-the-loop oversight is maintained, staff using AI must be trained, and a Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer have been appointed. read by Claude Opus 5

What it says AI is used for

  • Analytics for insights
  • Workplace productivity
  • Image processing
  • Service delivery
  • Compliance and fraud detection
  • Policy and legal
  • Corporate and enabling

Public-facing AI: not addressed

Safeguards named: risk assessment, human review of outputs, staff training, incident or concern reporting, testing or evaluation

Against the Standard 6/8

  • 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 requiresPolicy v2.0

Accountable official
AI Accountable Officer; Accountable Use Case Owner per use case
Strategic position on AI
not mentioned
AI use-case register
not mentioned
Staff training
mandatory
Policy version referenced
version 1

What the AI Plan asksAI Plan

Chief AI Officer
in place (Chief AI Officer)

Currency as of 29 Aug 2026

Review cadence
annually and when the approach changes
Says it was last updated
3 Jun 2026
Last change we observed
3 June 2026
Updated since policy 2.0
yes
Annual review
within a year of its own date

Commitments

  • human oversightAI only used in ways protecting security, privacy, transparency and ethics, always maintaining human-in-the-loop oversight
  • willAll staff must complete training on appropriate AI use before their access is enabled
  • willThis transparency statement will be updated as DFAT's approach to AI changes
  • willStatement will be updated at least every twelve months
  • willEach AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner; risks assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly

The statement

How to read this

Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statementAlso appears in 18 other agenciesAASBACIARAFPAFSAARPCAUASBBOMDSSDVAEDUCATIONFINANCEHSRANAANLAPCPSRSIATEQSA

DFAT is dedicated to identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support staff in their delivery of outcomes in the national interest.

Safe and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice.

DFAT uses both automation and AI to strengthen our operations and deliver outcomes. We follow the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of AI, in line with the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government. At DFAT, AI refers to applications of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Rule-based analytics and rule-based automation are managed separately and are not considered AI under this definition.

Our people are central to the safe and effective use of AI at DFAT. We are committed to equipping our staff with the skills and knowledge needed to implement, maintain, and use AI responsibly. Comprehensive training ensures our workforce can confidently manage their use of AI, uphold ethical standards, and support secure business practices.

By combining advanced technology with a skilled and informed workforce, DFAT aims to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the highest standards or safety, transparency, and accountability.

Based on the classification system for AI in government, we are using AI in:

We are applying AI in the following domains:

DFAT has internal governance for AI, covering every stage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes:

  • ensure AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly
  • continuously monitoring how AI performs
  • meet all legal and regulatory obligations
  • identify risks and potential negative impacts
  • support taking action to reduce or prevent harm.

Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT only uses AI in ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’).

All staff using AI must complete training on the responsible use. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel.

DFAT has appointed a Chief AI Officer and an AI Accountable Officer, in accordance with whole of government requirements.

This transparency statement will be updated as our approach evolves, and at least every twelve months.

Update Date| Update Comment
---|---
29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials
06 February 2025|

  • Align DFAT with the requirements of DTA's AI policy (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government

3 December 2025| Transparency statement update
3 June 2026| Transparency statement updated to reflect appointment of a Chief AI Officer

Statement text © Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).

Every revision

Every capture the daily scrape recorded that differed from the last, including edits with no change of substance. Pick a dot to view the statement as it stood at that capture.

  1. substantive-194

    DFAT names a Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer in place of the Chief Information Officer, and softens its pre-access AI training requirement.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    # Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is dedicated to identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance secure business outcomes. We embrace new opportunities while recognising the uncertainties and risks that come with technological change. This public transparency statement outlines DFAT’s approach to AIsupport staff in their delivery of outcomes in the national interest. Safe and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice where applicable. ## Our approach to AI DFAT uses both automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen our operations and deliver better outcomes. We follow the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles) of AI, in line with the [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). At DFAT, "AI" refers to applications of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Rule-based analytics and rule-based automation are managed separately and are not considered AI under this definition. Our people are central to the safe and effective use of AI at DFAT. We are committed to equipping our staff with the skills and knowledge needed to implement, maintain, and use AI responsibly. Comprehensive training ensures our workforce can confidently manage their use of AI, uphold ethical standards, and support secure business practices. By combining advanced technology with a skilled and informed workforce, DFAT aims to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the highest standards or safety, transparency, and accountability. Based on the classification system for AI in government, we are using AI in: - analytics for insights - workplace productivity - image processing. We are applying AI in the following domains: - service delivery - compliance and fraud detection - policy and legal - corporate and enabling. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance for AI, covering every stage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes: - ensure: - AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly - continuously monitoring how AI performs - meeting all legal and regulatory obligations - identifying risks and potential negative impacts - support taking action to reduce or prevent harm. Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT only uses AI in ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’). All staff using AI must complete training on the responsible use of AI before they are granted access. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel. Currently, the Chief Information Officer is responsible for ensuring DFAT compliesDFAT has appointed a Chief AI Officer and an AI Accountable Officer, in accordance with whole- of- government AI policies and maintains the quality and integrity of departmental datarequirements. This transparency statement will be updated as our approach evolves, and at least every twelve months. Update Date| Update Comment\ ---|---\ 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials\ 06 February 2025| - Transparency statement completion - Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government 3 December 2025| - Transparency statement update\ 3 June 2026| Transparency statement updated to reflect appointment of a Chief AI Officer
    7d837da
  2. substantive+1110

    DFAT rewrites its statement, naming its AI usage types and domains, the CIO as accountable official, human-in-the-loop oversight and annual review, while dropping the Copilot trial.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    # Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is investigating how AI can be useddedicated to identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance secure business outcomes. EWe embracinge new opportunities, while acknowledgrecognising the uncertainties and risks of new technologies, DFAT has adopted the Digital Transformation Agency's (DTA) [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). The DTA's Policy for tthat come with technological change. This public transparency statement outlines DFAT’s approach to AI. Safe and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice whe responsible use of AI in government establishe applicable. ## Our approach to AI DFAT uses both automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen our operations mandatory requirements relating to identifying [accountable officials](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/accountable-officials) and publicly publishing DFAT's AI uses in [AI transparency state deliver better outcomes. We follow the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles) of AI, in line with the [Policy for the responsible use of AI in governments](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/transparency-statements). This statement explains how DFAT is adhering to policy requirements. Safe, secure,policy). At DFAT, "AI" refers to applications of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Rule-based analytics and rule-based automation are managed separately and aresponsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. ## Approach to using AI **Public access**. Currently, the public are not provided access to any DFAT AI tools not considered AI under this definition. Our people are central to the safe and effective use of AI at DFAT. We are committed to equipping our the ability to contribute to outputs. **Departmental use**. DFAT's internal use of AI is based on policy and guidelines developed by DTA, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, CSIRO, and international bstaff with the skills and knowledge needed to implement, maintain, and use AI responsibly. Comprehensive training ensures our workforce can confidently manage their use of AI, uphold ethical standards, and support secure businests practices. DFAT is part of the Whole of Australian Government Copilot trial. DFAT is reviewing the use of AI across service delivery, scientific, and corporate and enabling domains for relevant areas for insights into automating processes and identifying efficiencies. All staff are required to undertake training on the appropriate use of AI prior to enabling their access. General queries or concerns are encouraged to be reported through a dedicated internal channel. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance, policy and instructions toBy combining advanced technology with a skilled and informed workforce, DFAT aims to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the highest standards or safety, transparency, and accountability. Based on the classification system for AI in government, we are using AI in: - analytics for insights - workplace productivity - image processing. We are applying AI in the following domains: - service delivery - compliance and fraud detection - policy and legal - corporate and enabling. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance for AI, covering every stage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes ensure: - AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly - monitoring of effectiveness of AI - legal and regulatory compliance - identification of any negative impacts of AI - measures to mitigate potential harm from AI. This transparency statement will be updated as DFAT's approach to AI changes. ## Accountable officials DFAT has identified relevant personnel to be accountable for DFATcontinuously monitoring how AI performs - meeting all legal and regulatory obligations - identifying risks and potential negative impacts - taking action to reduce or prevent harm. Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT only uses AI in ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’). All staff must complete training on the responsible use of AI before they are granted access. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel. Currently, the Chief Information Officer is responsible for ensuring DFAT complies with whole-of-government AI policies and maintains the quality and integrity of departmental data. This transparency statement will be updated as our approach evolves, and at least every twelve months. Update Date| Update Comment\ ---|---\ 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials\ 06 February 2025| - Transparency statement completion - Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government 3 December 2025| - Transparency statement update
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  3. scrape noise-3230

    Only the site's navigation menu dropped out of the capture; the statement text itself is unchanged.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    In this section ## [About us](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us) - [About the department](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/department/about-the-department) - [Grant outcomes](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/grant-opportunities/Pages/grant-outcomes) - [DFAT grants framework](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/grant-opportunities/Pages/dfat-grants-framework) - [Our locations](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locations/Pages/our-locations) - [Our people](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people) - [Our services](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-services) - [Publications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications) - [Corporate information and resources](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources) - [Logos and style guides](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/logos-and-style-guides) - [Public Interest Certificate](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/public-interest-certificate) - [Certifications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/certifications) - [Freedom of information](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/freedom-of-information) - [Privacy](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/privacy) - [Transparency](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/transparency) - [New departmental files](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/new-departmental-files) - [Portfolio budget statements](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/portfolio-budget-statements) - [Fraud and Corruption Control in DFAT](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/fraud-corruption-control) - [Regulatory functions](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/regulatory-functions) - [Audit and Risk Committee](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources/audit-and-risk-committee) - [Legal Services Expenditure](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/legal-services-expenditure) - [Subpoenas](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/Pages/subpoenas) - [Protocol Privacy Collection Statement](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/protocol-privacy-collection-statement) - [Senate Order on entity contracts](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/senate-order-on-entity-contracts) - [Executive Remuneration Reporting](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/Pages/executive-remuneration-reporting) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement - [Consular Privacy Collection Statement](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/consular-privacy-collection-statement) - [DFAT Employee Census](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/dfat-employee-census) - [Data Sharing Applications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources/data-sharing-applications) - [Business opportunities](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/business-opportunities) - [Foreign representatives in Australia](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/foreign-embassies/foreign-embassies-and-consulates-in-australia) - [History of Australian diplomacy](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/history-of-australian-diplomacy/history-of-australian-diplomacy) - [About this website](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/about-this-website/Pages/about-this-website) # Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is investigating how AI can be used to enhance secure business outcomes. Embracing opportunities, while acknowledging the uncertainties and risks of new technologies, DFAT has adopted the Digital Transformation Agency's (DTA) [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). The DTA's Policy for the responsible use of AI in government establishes mandatory requirements relating to identifying [accountable officials](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/accountable-officials) and publicly publishing DFAT's AI uses in [AI transparency statements](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/transparency-statements). This statement explains how DFAT is adhering to policy requirements. Safe, secure, and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. ## Approach to using AI **Public access**. Currently, the public are not provided access to any DFAT AI tools or the ability to contribute to outputs. **Departmental use**. DFAT's internal use of AI is based on policy and guidelines developed by DTA, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, CSIRO, and international best practice. DFAT is part of the Whole of Australian Government Copilot trial. DFAT is reviewing the use of AI across service delivery, scientific, and corporate and enabling domains for relevant areas for insights into automating processes and identifying efficiencies. All staff are required to undertake training on the appropriate use of AI prior to enabling their access. General queries or concerns are encouraged to be reported through a dedicated internal channel. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance, policy and instructions to ensure: - AI is implemented safely and responsibly - monitoring of effectiveness of AI - legal and regulatory compliance - identification of any negative impacts of AI - measures to mitigate potential harm from AI. This transparency statement will be updated as DFAT's approach to AI changes. ## Accountable officials DFAT has identified relevant personnel to be accountable for DFAT. Update Date| Update Comment\ ---|---\ 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials\ 06 February 2025| - Transparency statement completion - Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government
    9226d49
  4. first tracked+5687

    First tracked revision.

    07278a5