Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency StatementAlso appears in 18 other agenciesAASBACIARAFPAFSAARPCAUASBBOMDFATDVAEDUCATIONFINANCEHSRANAANLAPCPSRSIATEQSA
We are committed to the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI offers significant opportunities to improve productivity and service delivery for the Australian community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) governs our use of AI in line with all relevant laws and regulations, the Digital Transformation Agency’s policy for the responsible use of AI in government(Opens in a new tab/window) (DTA policy), and best practice. (Template language)
We use AI to improve how we work and deliver services. It helps us streamline processes and increase efficiency. It provides staff with better tools to serve the community.
We are committed to using AI in ways that serve the public interest. This means improving services, being transparent, and upholding ethical standards. We keep safety and trust at the centre of our AI adoption.
Currently, our approved AI use cases are within the:
- Service delivery, Policy and legal and Corporate and enabling domains; and
- Workplace productivity and Analytics for insights usage patterns,Also appears in 1 other agencyMDBA
of the classification system for AI use (Opens in a new tab/window).
We currently do not use AI within the Decision making and administrative action or Image processing usage patterns, or the Scientific , Compliance and fraud detection , and Law enforcement, intelligence and security domains.
Staff mainly use AI systems for:
- summarising documents, reports and meeting notes into key points
- preparing newsletters, presentations and web content; rewrite drafts for clarity
- creating agendas and recording action items
- generating graphs and dashboards from data; summarising insights
- extracting information and preparing summaries
- drafting and reviewing policy documents for clarity and compliance
- summarising contract documents and identifying compliance risks
- developing training guides and making technical content easy to understand
- summarising risk registers and preparing risk reports with dashboards
- generating transcripts of public hearings and session, for example Senate Estimates.
1. GovAI Multi-Model – we use the GovAI platform as a secure space for staff to test AI models and to support staff learning. This helps build capability uplift and supports safe trials.
2. Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS – we use Microsoft Copilot in the secure GovTEAMS environment.
3. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (DSS Internal) – we use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat within the DSS controlled environment.
4. Otter AI – We use Otter AI for a select group of staff, an AI-powered transcription tool designed to convert speech into text.
- DSS AI usage does not include use cases that involve direct interaction with the public
- activities that would significantly affect individuals.
All AI outputs are checked by a human before they are applied or acted on. This ensures technology supports our operations but does not replace human judgment in areas that affect people’s lives.
Our AI governance approach
We take a risk-based approach using AI. Before we approve a new AI use case, we assess legal, privacy and operational risks to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and DSS policies.
Our governance arrangements include:
- an accountable official – our Chief Information Officer (CIO) (Template language)
- a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to provide strategic leadership and oversight
- anAI Governance Committee chaired by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and including senior staff from the department’s legal, data, corporate, communications and ICT areas.
The committee’s role includes:
- guiding our AI strategy, principles and policies
- identifying, assessing and managing AI risks and opportunities
- reviewing and approving AI use cases
- monitoring performance and impacts.
Our existing AI policy sets clear expectations for staff. It limits how they can use AI in their work. We use technological controls that restrict access to publicly available AI tools from our ICT environment. This helps ensure AI use is secure, compliant and responsible.
Existing DSS policies also apply to AI use. These include policies on:
- acceptable use of technology
This approach ensures that our AI use complies with legal and ethical obligations, protects sensitive information, manages risks effectively, and meets requirements for record-keeping and accountability.
We monitor the effectiveness of AI systems through robust governance arrangements, policies, processes and by tracking AI usage. We also engage with staff to understand how AI affects workflows and productivity.
We are strengthening our governance and oversight to support future AI use and make sure we comply with the DTA policy, other departmental policies, and laws.
We are building an AI governance structure into a mature, scalable framework. This framework will align with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and whole-of-government standards. It will set out clear principles, roles and processes for responsible AI development, procurement, deployment and oversight.
To ensure accountability, every AI use case will have approved key performance indicators (KPIs) to track outcomes, measure effectiveness and confirm that AI solutions deliver value and meet DSS goals.
Our compliance with the DTA policy
The following table sets out an overview of our compliance with the mandatory requirements of the DTA policy:Also appears in 1 other agencyART
Mandatory requirement| Status| Comments| Due date
---|---|---|---
AI transparency statement| Compliant| N/A| N/A
Strategic position on AI adoption| In development| We are documenting our AI strategic position to guide responsible adoption and use.| 1 June 2026
Accountable officials| Compliant| We have appointed our Chief Information Officer (CIO) as our Accountable Official.| N/A
Accountable use case owners| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Internal AI use case register| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Operationalise the responsible use of AI| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Staff training on AI| Compliant| We require staff to complete mandatory AI training, including the AI in Government Fundamentals course. We also encourage further learning through programs offered by the Australian Public Service Commission and the Digital Transformation Agency.| 1 December 2026
Assessment of AI use cases and subsequent treatment| In development| We are developing and implementing a formal AI governance framework. This framework will require all AI use cases to be assessed in accordance with the DTA policy.| 1 December 2026 (Template language)
This statement is authorised by DSS’s accountable official, the Chief Information Officer. (Template language)
This AI Transparency Statement was updated on 22 January 2026.
- Visit the Digital Transformation Agency to read the DTA policy(Opens in a new tab/window).
- If you have questions or feedback, email AI@dss.gov.au.
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DSS3370 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/3370
Artificial intelligence (AI) transparency statement
We adopt a whole of Australian Government approach to use AI safely and responsibly while embracing the opportunities AI provides.
We follow the Digital Transformation Agency's Policy for the responsible use of AI in government(Opens external website) (DTA Policy). Transparency is key to earning public trust and is an important aim of the DTA Policy and broader APS Reforms.
We recognise the benefits arising from safe and responsible use of AI systems. We are developing suitable governance and oversight to support future AI use and ensure alignment with the DTA Policy and other relevant policies and legislation.
We are currently exploring AI capabilities through two main initiatives: our participation in the GovAI program and the use of Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS.
GovAI Program
This initiative gives us a chance to get hands-on experience with various AI tools in a secure, controlled setting. Our focus is on exploring how AI might boost productivity in our corporate and enabling functions, as well as enhance our policy development and data analytic capabilities.
More information (Opens external website)
Visit GovAI
Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS
In addition to GovAI, we have authorised limited use of Microsoft Copilot through the GovTEAMS platform. This tool provides AI-assisted capabilities within the whole of government secure collaborative environment, further supporting our day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.
These initiatives are being undertaken with appropriate governance and oversight arrangements in place. Staff training on AI is a central consideration of these governance and oversight protocols. Training will be rolled out throughout the year to support staff participating in the AI initiatives and to build AI capability across our workforce. This includes leveraging resources and learning opportunities provided through the GovAI program.
We have appointed our Chief Information Officer (CIO) as our Accountable Official. This is consistent with the DTA Policy. The CIO is responsible for implementation of the DTA Policy and for leading on matters of AI within our department.
We keep up to date with changes in the AI policy and governance environment and engage with whole-of-government capacity building initiatives, such as GovAI, to encourage APS-wide capability uplift over time.
While our use of AI is currently limited to controlled trials and exploration, we are committed to ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, and that any future use of AI is undertaken safely and responsibly. We will ensure:
- AI use is appropriately governed
- our engagement with AI is confident, safe and responsible
- risks are identified and managed
- AI access and usage is monitored
- measures are implemented to monitor the effectiveness of deployed AI systems
- efforts are made to protect the public against negative impacts.
Our AI Transparency Statement will be reviewed and updated annually or when we make a significant change to our approach to AI. This AI Transparency Statement was updated on 28 August 2025.
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DSS3370 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/3370
Last modified 28 August 2025.
Artificial intelligence (AI) transparency statement
We adopt a whole of Australian Government approach to use AI safely and responsibly while embracing the opportunities AI provides.
We follow the Digital Transformation Agency's Policy for the responsible use of AI in government(Opens external website) (DTA Policy). Transparency is key to earning public trust and is an important aim of the DTA Policy and broader APS Reforms.
We recognise the benefits arising from safe and responsible use of AI systems. We are developing suitable governance and oversight to support future AI use and ensure alignment with the DTA Policy and other relevant policies and legislation.
We are currently exploring AI capabilities through two main initiatives: our participation in the GovAI program and the use of Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS.
GovAI Program
This initiative gives us a chance to get hands-on experience with various AI tools in a secure, controlled setting. Our focus is on exploring how AI might boost productivity in our corporate and enabling functions, as well as enhance our policy development and data analytic capabilities.
More information (Opens external website)
Visit GovAI
Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS
In addition to GovAI, we have authorised limited use of Microsoft Copilot through the GovTEAMS platform. This tool provides AI-assisted capabilities within the whole of government secure collaborative environment, further supporting our day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.
These initiatives are being undertaken with appropriate governance and oversight arrangements in place. Staff training on AI is a central consideration of these governance and oversight protocols. Training will be rolled out throughout the year to support staff participating in the AI initiatives and to build AI capability across our workforce. This includes leveraging resources and learning opportunities provided through the GovAI program.
We have appointed our Chief Information Officer (CIO) as our Accountable Official. This is consistent with the DTA Policy. The CIO is responsible for implementation of the DTA Policy and for leading on matters of AI within our department.
We keep up to date with changes in the AI policy and governance environment and engage with whole-of-government capacity building initiatives, such as GovAI, to encourage APS-wide capability uplift over time.
While our use of AI is currently limited to controlled trials and exploration, we are committed to ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, and that any future use of AI is undertaken safely and responsibly. We will ensure:
- AI use is appropriately governed
- our engagement with AI is confident, safe and responsible
- risks are identified and managed
- AI access and usage is monitored
- measures are implemented to monitor the effectiveness of deployed AI systems
- efforts are made to protect the public against negative impacts.
Our AI Transparency Statement will be reviewed and updated annually or when we make a significant change to our approach to AI. This AI Transparency Statement was updated on 28 August 2025.
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DSS3370 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/3370
Last modified 28 August 2025.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement
We are committed to the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI offers significant opportunities to improve productivity and service delivery for the Australian community.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) governs our use of AI in line with all relevant laws and regulations, the Digital Transformation Agency’s policy for the responsible use of AI in government(Opens in a new tab/window) (DTA policy), and best practice.
Purpose of AI adoption
We use AI to improve how we work and deliver services. It helps us streamline processes and increase efficiency. It provides staff with better tools to serve the community.
We are committed to using AI in ways that serve the public interest. This means improving services, being transparent, and upholding ethical standards. We keep safety and trust at the centre of our AI adoption.
Our current AI use cases
Currently, our approved AI use cases are within the:
- Service delivery, Policy and legal and Corporate and enabling domains; and
- Workplace productivity and Analytics for insights usage patterns,
of the classification system for AI use (Opens in a new tab/window).
We currently do not use AI within the Decision making and administrative action or Image processing usage patterns, or the Scientific , Compliance and fraud detection , and Law enforcement, intelligence and security domains.
How our staff use AI
Staff mainly use AI systems for:
- summarising documents, reports and meeting notes into key points
- preparing newsletters, presentations and web content; rewrite drafts for clarity
- creating agendas and recording action items
- generating graphs and dashboards from data; summarising insights
- extracting information and preparing summaries
- drafting and reviewing policy documents for clarity and compliance
- summarising contract documents and identifying compliance risks
- developing training guides and making technical content easy to understand
- summarising risk registers and preparing risk reports with dashboards
- generating transcripts of public hearings and session, for example Senate Estimates.
AI systems we use
1. GovAI Multi-Model – we use the GovAI platform as a secure space for staff to test AI models and to support staff learning. This helps build capability uplift and supports safe trials.
2. Microsoft Copilot via GovTEAMS – we use Microsoft Copilot in the secure GovTEAMS environment.
3. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (DSS Internal) – we use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat within the DSS controlled environment.
4. Otter AI – We use Otter AI for a select group of staff, an AI-powered transcription tool designed to convert speech into text.
- DSS AI usage does not include use cases that involve direct interaction with the public
- activities that would significantly affect individuals.
All AI outputs are checked by a human before they are applied or acted on. This ensures technology supports our operations but does not replace human judgment in areas that affect people’s lives.
Our AI governance approach
Current state
We take a risk-based approach using AI. Before we approve a new AI use case, we assess legal, privacy and operational risks to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and DSS policies.
Our governance arrangements include:
- an accountable official – our Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to provide strategic leadership and oversight
- anAI Governance Committee chaired by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and including senior staff from the department’s legal, data, corporate, communications and ICT areas.
The committee’s role includes:
- guiding our AI strategy, principles and policies
- identifying, assessing and managing AI risks and opportunities
- reviewing and approving AI use cases
- monitoring performance and impacts.
Our existing AI policy sets clear expectations for staff. It limits how they can use AI in their work. We use technological controls that restrict access to publicly available AI tools from our ICT environment. This helps ensure AI use is secure, compliant and responsible.
Existing DSS policies also apply to AI use. These include policies on:
- privacy
- confidentiality
- risk management
- procurement
- archiving
- acceptable use of technology
- cyber security.
This approach ensures that our AI use complies with legal and ethical obligations, protects sensitive information, manages risks effectively, and meets requirements for record-keeping and accountability.
We monitor the effectiveness of AI systems through robust governance arrangements, policies, processes and by tracking AI usage. We also engage with staff to understand how AI affects workflows and productivity.
Future state
We are strengthening our governance and oversight to support future AI use and make sure we comply with the DTA policy, other departmental policies, and laws.
We are building an AI governance structure into a mature, scalable framework. This framework will align with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and whole-of-government standards. It will set out clear principles, roles and processes for responsible AI development, procurement, deployment and oversight.
To ensure accountability, every AI use case will have approved key performance indicators (KPIs) to track outcomes, measure effectiveness and confirm that AI solutions deliver value and meet DSS goals.
Our compliance with the DTA policy
The following table sets out an overview of our compliance with the mandatory requirements of the DTA policy:
Mandatory requirement| Status| Comments| Due date
---|---|---|---
AI transparency statement| Compliant| N/A| N/A
Strategic position on AI adoption| In development| We are documenting our AI strategic position to guide responsible adoption and use.| 1 June 2026
Accountable officials| Compliant| We have appointed our Chief Information Officer (CIO) as our Accountable Official.| N/A
Accountable use case owners| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Internal AI use case register| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Operationalise the responsible use of AI| In development| We approved an AI governance structure and are developing and implementing this framework. The structure will guide how we assess, adopt and monitor AI across the department to ensure responsible and effective use.| 1 December 2026
Staff training on AI| Compliant| We require staff to complete mandatory AI training, including the AI in Government Fundamentals course. We also encourage further learning through programs offered by the Australian Public Service Commission and the Digital Transformation Agency.| 1 December 2026
Assessment of AI use cases and subsequent treatment| In development| We are developing and implementing a formal AI governance framework. This framework will require all AI use cases to be assessed in accordance with the DTA policy.| 1 December 2026
This statement is authorised by DSS’s accountable official, the Chief Information Officer.
This AI Transparency Statement was updated on 22 January 2026.
More information
Visit the Digital Transformation Agency to read the DTA policy(Opens in a new tab/window).
If you have questions or feedback, email AI@dss.gov.au.
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Share
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- [ Email ](mailto:?subject=Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement&body=https://www.dss.gov.au/doing-business-us/corporate-policies/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement)
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Your feedback has been successfully submitted.
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DSS3370 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/3370
Last modified 20 January 2026.
Statement text © Department of Social Services, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).