The statement
Our commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of AI supports our vision to deliver better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
We are aligning with the whole of government approach to AI. The Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0 sets a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI, along with the APS AI Plan, Standard for AI transparency statements and Guidance on government use of public generative AI tools. We identify, assess and manage AI use case impacts and risks informed by Australia's AI Ethics Principles and AI impact assessment tool.
Our adoption of AI will improve:
Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s Data and Digital Government Strategy in relation to adopting emerging technologies.
From 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024, we participated in the Australian Government’s trials of a generative AI service, Microsoft 365 Copilot. We have made Copilot Chat available to all staff and are rolling out Microsoft 365 Copilot licenced version to staff in phases. As a prerequisite to using Copilot, our staff must complete AI fundamentals training that includes responsible and acceptable use of AI. We also require users to acknowledge safe, responsible and ethical use of AI before accessing and using generative AI tools.
We restrict the use of AI tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat, to certain approved use cases in our use case register.
We use generative and narrow AI models in line with the DTA’s Classification systems for use.
- analyse data to gain insights
- automate activities to make tasks more efficient and increase workplace productivity
- identify patterns and objects automatically
- support decision making by helping staff summarise, analyse or synthesise information used to prepare advice or recommendations considered by our committees or decision makers.
We do not use AI to automate decisions. Human officials remain fully accountable for the advice and recommendations they provide.
We can use AI in these areas:
- compliance and fraud detection Also appears in 9 other agencies ACQSC AGD ATO CER DAFF DFAT OPC RAM SERVICESAUSTRALIA
We set up an Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee (AISc) to guide our approach to AI. The AISc advises the Digital Committee which oversees our digital, data and ICT functions and capabilities and includes senior executive members from across the department. The AISc considers:
- the application of AI within the Health portfolio’s policy and program context Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- the use and regulation of AI in the health, disability and aged care sectors Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- the use of AI within the department Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- the whole of government approach to AI and the intersection with health, disability and aged care sectors. Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
Our staff will be able to explain, justify and take ownership of advice and decisions informed by AI.
We have an AI assurance framework in place. We also keep an internal register of AI use cases, in line with the whole-of-government approach. This register helps us see where AI is being used and monitor its usage properly.
We have measures in place to: Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- make sure AI is well governed and managed. Staff cannot use sensitive or personal information without approval through our assurance and governance processes
- make AI use across the department visible, so we can govern it effectively and manage risks, assurance and reporting
- encourage staff to use AI safely, responsibly, ethically and lawfully through corporate communications and training Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- support collaboration across the department and with other government agencies on AI use, including developing shared resources to ensure safe, responsible, ethical and lawful use. Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
We are committed to using AI in a safe, ethical, responsible and lawful way for the benefit of Australians. We will continue to work closely with the DTA and use AI in accordance with applicable:
We remain committed to transparency and protecting the public. We will be transparent as we responsibly adopt evolving AI technology and policy requirements.
Safe and responsible AI adoption Also appears in 4 other agencies ACSQHC CDC NBA NDISQSC
We are developing internal AI policy and guidance material. These will align with the DTA’s policy, advice and guidance on the safe, responsible and ethical use of AI. This includes our role in grants, procurement, regulation and policy making related to AI.
We will leverage whole-of-government policies and develop internal policies and guidance materials when necessary for: Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- AI Governance and approval processes Also appears in 2 other agencies ACSQHC NBA
- acceptable use of AI in the department
- Freedom of Information (FOI) considerations Also appears in 3 other agencies ACSQHC CDC NBA
- procurement of AI systems Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- risk mitigation and technical guardrails Also appears in 3 other agencies ACSQHC CDC NBA
- roles and responsibilities when using AI and required training for identified roles. Also appears in 3 other agencies ACSQHC CDC NBA
These internal policies will apply to all employees (including contractors) and consultants. Also appears in 3 other agencies ACSQHC CDC NBA
We will update this transparency statement as we continue to develop policies on AI usage and to implement AI technology. We will continuously review our use of AI to:
- protect the public against negative impacts Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- reflect the pace of technological change Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- manage the evolving risk environment Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
- align with whole-of-government guidance. Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
The Chief Digital Information Officer is our AI Accountable Official. (Template language)
Contact us for questions about our AI transparency statement, our use of AI, or to report AI safety concerns, including AI-related incidents. Also appears in 1 other agency CDC
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s commitment to the safe and responsible use of AI supports our vision to deliver better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
The Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government sets a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI. Along with the Standard for AI transparency statements and Interim guidance on government use of public generative AI tools.
Why we use AI
To achieve our vision in delivering better health and wellbeing for all Australians, the department commits to the safe and responsible adoption of AI to take advantage of the various benefits the technology provides.
How we use AI
The department uses generative and narrow model AI In line with the DTA’s Classification systems for use as below:
Usage patterns: for analysing data to gain insights and automating activities to make tasks more efficient and increase workplace productivity. This allows staff to focus on more complex and meaningful work.
Domains: include scientific, compliance and fraud detection, corporate and enabling and service delivery.
Our approach with AI
A human will assess all AI outputs to ensure accuracy. We will not use AI for decision making purposes.
The department isn’t using AI applications where the public can directly interact with or be impacted by AI. We will update this transparency statement if our approach changes.
Our commitment
The department is committed to using AI in a responsible and transparent way. Our AI initiatives will align with the APS values and have the publics’ best interest at heart. We will continue to work closely with the DTA and use AI in accordance with applicable:
- legislation
- regulations
- frameworks
- policies
- best practice.
Safe and responsible AI adoption
We will be transparent as we adopt responsibly the evolving AI technology and policy requirements. The department is developing internal Health and Aged Care AI policy and guidance material.
These will align with the DTA’s Policy, advice and guidance on the safe, responsible and ethical use of AI. We will make sure our policies meet the proposed mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings that are underway by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
We will leverage whole of Australian Government policies and develop internal policies and guidance materials when necessary for:
- AI Governance and approval processes
- acceptable use of AI in the department
- ethical considerations
- Freedom of Information (FOI) considerations
- record keeping
- security, procurement of AI systems
- risk mitigation and technical guardrails
- roles and responsibilities when using AI and required training for identified roles.
These internal policies will apply to all employees (including contractors) and consultants.
We will update this transparency statement as the department continues to develop policies on AI usage and to implement AI technology.
Contact
The Chief Digital Information Officer is our AI Accountable Official for the department.
For questions about this statement or the department’s use of AI, you can contact our AI Accountable Official.
AI Accountable Official
Contact our AI Accountable Official for questions about the department’s use of AI.
Date last updated:
20 May 2025
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Our commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of AI supports our vision to deliver better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
We are aligning with the whole of government approach to AI. The Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0 sets a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI, along with the APS AI Plan, Standard for AI transparency statements and Guidance on government use of public generative AI tools. We identify, assess and manage AI use case impacts and risks informed by Australia's AI Ethics Principles and AI impact assessment tool.
Why we use AI
Our adoption of AI will improve:
- service delivery
- policy outcomes
- efficiency
- productivity.
Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s Data and Digital Government Strategy in relation to adopting emerging technologies.
How we use AI
From 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024, we participated in the Australian Government’s trials of a generative AI service, Microsoft 365 Copilot. We have made Copilot Chat available to all staff and are rolling out Microsoft 365 Copilot licenced version to staff in phases. As a prerequisite to using Copilot, our staff must complete AI fundamentals training that includes responsible and acceptable use of AI. We also require users to acknowledge safe, responsible and ethical use of AI before accessing and using generative AI tools.
We restrict the use of AI tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat, to certain approved use cases in our use case register.
We use generative and narrow AI models in line with the DTA’s Classification systems for use.
What we use AI for
We can use AI to:
- analyse data to gain insights
- automate activities to make tasks more efficient and increase workplace productivity
- identify patterns and objects automatically
- support decision making by helping staff summarise, analyse or synthesise information used to prepare advice or recommendations considered by our committees or decision makers.
We do not use AI to automate decisions. Human officials remain fully accountable for the advice and recommendations they provide.
Where we use AI
We can use AI in these areas:
- policy and legal
- scientific
- compliance and fraud detection
- corporate and enabling
- service delivery.
Our approach with AI
We set up an Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee (AISc) to guide our approach to AI. The AISc advises the Digital Committee which oversees our digital, data and ICT functions and capabilities and includes senior executive members from across the department. The AISc considers:
- the application of AI within the Health portfolio’s policy and program context
- the use and regulation of AI in the health, disability and aged care sectors
- the use of AI within the department
- the whole of government approach to AI and the intersection with health, disability and aged care sectors.
Our staff will be able to explain, justify and take ownership of advice and decisions informed by AI.
We have an AI assurance framework in place. We also keep an internal register of AI use cases, in line with the whole-of-government approach. This register helps us see where AI is being used and monitor its usage properly.
We have measures in place to:
- make sure AI is well governed and managed. Staff cannot use sensitive or personal information without approval through our assurance and governance processes
- make AI use across the department visible, so we can govern it effectively and manage risks, assurance and reporting
- encourage staff to use AI safely, responsibly, ethically and lawfully through corporate communications and training
- support collaboration across the department and with other government agencies on AI use, including developing shared resources to ensure safe, responsible, ethical and lawful use.
Our commitment
We are committed to using AI in a safe, ethical, responsible and lawful way for the benefit of Australians. We will continue to work closely with the DTA and use AI in accordance with applicable:
- laws
- frameworks
- policies
- best practice.
We remain committed to transparency and protecting the public. We will be transparent as we responsibly adopt evolving AI technology and policy requirements.
Safe and responsible AI adoption
We are developing internal AI policy and guidance material. These will align with the DTA’s policy, advice and guidance on the safe, responsible and ethical use of AI. This includes our role in grants, procurement, regulation and policy making related to AI.
We will leverage whole-of-government policies and develop internal policies and guidance materials when necessary for:
- AI Governance and approval processes
- acceptable use of AI in the department
- ethical considerations
- Freedom of Information (FOI) considerations
- record keeping
- security
- procurement of AI systems
- risk mitigation and technical guardrails
- roles and responsibilities when using AI and required training for identified roles.
These internal policies will apply to all employees (including contractors) and consultants.
We will update this transparency statement as we continue to develop policies on AI usage and to implement AI technology. We will continuously review our use of AI to:
- protect the public against negative impacts
- reflect the pace of technological change
- manage the evolving risk environment
- align with whole-of-government guidance.
Contact
The Chief Digital Information Officer is our AI Accountable Official.
AI team
Contact us for questions about our AI transparency statement, our use of AI, or to report AI safety concerns, including AI-related incidents.
Date last updated:
16 February 2026
Tags:
Is there anything wrong with this page?
Help us improve health.gov.au
If you would like a response please provide an email address. Your email address is covered by our privacy policy.
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