APS AI Tracker

DFAT

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

View the original ↗

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

What’s changed

How to read this

  1. Tracking begins. The statement says it was first published 6 Feb 2025.

  2. substantive DFAT has rewritten its statement to disclose its AI usage categories and domains. It also names the Chief Information Officer as responsible, adds use-case owners and human oversight, and commits to annual review.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Discloses AI usage categories: analytics for insights, workplace productivity, image processing
    • Discloses domains: service delivery, compliance and fraud detection, policy and legal, corporate and enabling
    • Names the Chief Information Officer as responsible for compliance with whole-of-government AI policy
    • Adds an Accountable Use Case Owner for each AI use case, plus risk assessment before implementation and regular review
    • Commits to human-in-the-loop oversight for all AI use
    • Commits to updating the statement at least every twelve months
    • Adopts the OECD definition of AI and excludes rule-based automation
    • Removed: mention of participation in the whole-of-government Copilot trial
    • Removed: statement that the public has no access to DFAT AI tools
    • Adds an update log entry dated 3 December 2025
    • Named tool dropped: Microsoft 365 Copilot
    • Safeguard dropped: acceptable use policy
    • Domain added: compliance and fraud detection
    • Domain added: policy and legal
    • Domain added: service delivery
    • New commitment (human oversight): AI used only while always maintaining human oversight ('Human-in-the-Loop')
    • New commitment (will): Transparency statement will be updated at least every twelve months
    • Safeguard added: human review of outputs
    • Safeguard added: risk assessment
    • 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 CIO, and now requires AI training only of staff who use AI, not before access.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer appointed, in line with whole-of-government requirements
    • Removed: the Chief Information Officer as the officer responsible for compliance with whole-of-government AI policy and for departmental data quality and integrity
    • Removed: the requirement that staff finish responsible-use training before they are given AI access (now 'all staff using AI must complete training')
    • Governance processes now 'support' taking action to reduce harm instead of ensuring it
    • Removed: the line acknowledging the uncertainties and risks of technological change
    • Purpose of adopting AI reframed from 'secure business outcomes' to supporting staff to deliver outcomes in the national interest
    • Adds a 3 June 2026 entry to the version history for the Chief AI Officer appointment
    • 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 work. Internal governance covers every stage from idea to implementation. Each use case has an Accountable Use Case Owner, risks are assessed before implementation, humans stay in the loop, and staff must complete training. DFAT has appointed a Chief AI Officer and an AI Accountable Officer. read by Claude Opus 5.5

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: staff training, incident or concern reporting, risk assessment, human review of outputs

The Standard’s eight elements 6 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
designated
Strategic position on AI
not mentioned
AI use-case register
not mentioned
Staff training
mandatory
Policy version referenced
version 1

What the AI Plan asks AI Plan

Chief AI Officer
in place

Dates as of 12 Oct 2026

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

Commitments

  • human oversight AI used only while always maintaining human oversight ('Human-in-the-Loop')
  • will Transparency statement will be updated as DFAT's approach to AI changes
  • will All staff must undertake training on appropriate AI use before their access is enabled
  • will Transparency statement will be updated at least every twelve months

The statement

How to read this

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

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. 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 -194

    DFAT names a Chief AI Officer and AI Accountable Officer in place of the CIO, and now requires AI training only of staff who use AI, not before access.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    # 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
    ac67e10
  2. substantive +1110

    DFAT has rewritten its statement to disclose its AI usage categories and domains. It also names the Chief Information Officer as responsible, adds use-case owners and human oversight, and commits to annual review.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    # 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 the responsible use of AI in government establishethat 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 where 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 pub 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 [Policly publishing DFAT's AI uses in [AI transparency statefor 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 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 b 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 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
    81372e8
  3. noise -3230

    No change to DFAT's statement; the scraper stopped capturing the "About us" section navigation menu that used to appear above the statement.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    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
    8b08194
  4. first tracked +5815

    First tracked version.

    b7e2a3d