APS AI Tracker

EDUCATION

Department of Education

View the original ↗

Tracked since 11 Nov 2025 · 2 changes of substance across 7 captures · last changed 8 May 2026

The story so far

How to read this

  1. Tracking begins. The statement already existed; when Department of Education first published it is not recorded.

  2. substantive Rewrites the statement: new Accountable Officer, a Chief AI Officer promised by June 2026, mandatory staff training, but drops the detailed use-case table and no-public-chatbot commitment.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • Chief AI Officer to be in place by June 2026
    • Accountable Officer Matthew Johnston replaces Hamish McDonald (Kerryn Kovacevic retained)
    • Removed: commitment that the public will not interact with a chatbot or similar agent
    • Removed: detailed table of AI uses (stakeholder communication sorting, helpdesk case triage, policy and legal review)
    • New: Copilot Chat available to all staff; annual APSC 'AI in Government Fundamentals' training mandatory
    • New: departmental AI Strategy and Roadmap under development, plus internal AI Guidelines
    • States AI is not used for automated decision-making; all decisions made by staff
    • AI use case register now maintained (previously only 'being developed')
    • Contact email digitalservices@education.gov.au replaced with a general contact-us form
    • Removed: list of governing legislation (Privacy Act, PGPA Act, APS Code of Conduct)
    • Removed: reference to alignment with IT partner DEWR and out-of-session Audit and Risk Committee reviews
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Public will not interact with a chatbot or similar agent when contacting us
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Will not combine AI with other automated decision making programs
    • Commitment: no public-facing AI without a human removed
    • Safeguard dropped: privacy or security controls
    • AI use-case register: planned → in place
    • New commitment (human oversight): All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability
    • New commitment (will): All staff must complete APSC AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months
    • New commitment (will): Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026
    • Safeguard added: acceptable use policy
    • Safeguard added: staff training
    • Safeguard added: use case register
    • Staff training: not mentioned → mandatory
    • Chief AI Officer: not mentioned → planned
    • Strategic position on AI: not mentioned → planned
    • Public-facing AI use: none → with human review
    • Review cadence: annual → annual and on change
    • Stated last-updated date: 2025-09-30 → —
    Show the words that changed ↓

  3. One cosmetic edit with no change of substance: Fixes punctuation in a sentence about staff use of AI, adding a missing comma and "and"; no change of substance.

  4. substantive Names Brendan Moon as Chief AI Officer, sets out his duties, and cuts back from two AI Accountable Officers to one.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • Chief AI Officer named: Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division, replacing a promise to fill the role by June 2026
    • Removed: Matthew Johnston as a second AI Accountable Officer; Kerryn Kovacevic is now the sole officer
    • New list of Chief AI Officer responsibilities, including reporting to the Executive Board
    • Link added to the DTA's AI in government policy page
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Does not allow AI for fully automated output processes
    • Commitment dropped (will): Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026
    • Chief AI Officer: planned → in place
    • New commitment (will not): Does not use AI for automated decision-making
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

The Department of Education says it uses AI --- principally Microsoft Copilot, with Copilot Chat available to all staff --- mainly for internal efficiency: drafting, summarising and processing large volumes of information, with staff required to review outputs. It has an AI Accountable Officer (CIO) and a Chief AI Officer in place, a use case register, mandatory annual APSC AI training, an AI Strategy and Roadmap under development, and rules out automated decision-making. read by Claude Opus 5

What it says AI is used for

  • Analytics for insights
  • Workplace productivity
  • Policy and legal
  • Corporate and enabling

Named tools: Microsoft Copilot

Public-facing AI: yes, with human review

Safeguards named: risk assessment, human review of outputs, audit or assurance, staff training, use-case register, a governance body, an acceptable-use policy

Against the Standard 8/8

  • 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
Chief Information Officer
Strategic position on AI
planned
AI use-case register
in place
Staff training
mandatory
Policy version referenced
unspecified version

What the AI Plan asksAI Plan

Chief AI Officer
in place (First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division)

Currency as of 29 Aug 2026

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

Commitments

  • will notDoes not use AI for automated decision-making
  • human oversightAI outputs reviewed by an experienced staff member (human-in-the-loop)
  • human oversightAll decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability
  • willWill annually review and re-release this transparency statement
  • willWill periodically review governance arrangements for policy compliance
  • willMaintains an AI use case register
  • willAll staff must complete APSC AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months

The statement

How to read this

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency StatementAlso appears in 18 other agenciesAASBACIARAFPAFSAARPCAUASBBOMDFATDSSDVAFINANCEHSRANAANLAPCPSRSIATEQSA

Learn how the Department of Education uses artificial intelligence safely and responsibly to improve services, inform policy, and support quality education.

The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents to transform the way we work and how we deliver our services. We are committed to using AI safely, responsibly and transparently to support our mission to ensure all Australians can access quality education.

Our use of AI is considered and purposeful. We are maturing our understanding and use through trialling and experimentation to better inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilities.

Our use of AI is informed by and aligned with the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Policy for Responsible use of AI in Government.

The department is developing its own AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12 – 18 month period. We also have our own internal AI Guidelines to help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace.

AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officer

The Department of Education’s use of AI is overseen by our AI Accountable Officer and a Chief AI Officer. The AI Accountable Officer:

  • is the primary contact for whole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keeping staff informed of AI policy obligations and changes,
  • is accountable for implementing AI policy within the agency, including governance frameworks, transparency statements and internal registers,
  • oversees AI risk assessments and ensures appropriate controls are in place.

The department’s AI Accountable Officer is Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer.

The department’s Chief AI Officer is responsible for:

  • leading and championing a department-wide approach to AI adoption, driving change and uplifting AI literacy in the department,
  • identifying, prioritising and sponsoring high-value AI use cases,
  • reporting to the department’s Executive Board, working with the AI Accountable Officer to ensure AI adoption occurs within agreed risk boundaries and in alignment with whole-of-government policy and community expectations.

The department’s Chief AI Officer is Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division.

The department is maturing its AI governance arrangements. Existing governance arrangements such as the departments Audit and Risk Committee receive regular updates and review of AI usage, tooling, training and compliance.

The departments AI Transparency Statement and internal AI guidance are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect progress or changes and comply with Australian Government policy.

The department maintains an AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in line with the Archives Act 1983.

The department has approved the use of Microsoft Copilot and made Copilot Chat available to all staff. All staff are required to complete the AI in Government Fundamentals training developed by the Australian Public Service Commission every 12 months.

Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

The Department of Education is primarily using AI to improve internal efficiency. Staff are encouraged to use AI to draft, summarise and refine their work, support the processing of large volumes of data and information, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. Staff must review outputs for quality and accuracy.

To minimise risk and safeguard the public, the Department of Education does not use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability.

This statement is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to how the Department uses AI.

For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, contact us.

Statement text © Department of Education, 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. scrape noise-18

    Only an empty "On this page" contents heading dropped out of the capture; the agency's text is unchanged.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A//www.education.gov.au/about-department/corporate-reporting/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement Learn how the Department of Education uses artificial intelligence safely and responsibly to improve services, inform policy, and support quality education. ## On this page: The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents to transform the way we work and how we deliver our services. We are committed to using AI safely, responsibly and transparently to support our mission to ensure all Australians can access quality education. Our use of AI is considered and purposeful. We are maturing our understanding and use through trialling and experimentation to better inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilities. Our use of AI is informed by and aligned with the [AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Policy for Responsible use of AI in Government](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy). The department is developing its own AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12 – 18 month period. We also have our own internal AI Guidelines to help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace. ## AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officer The Department of Education’s use of AI is overseen by our AI Accountable Officer and a Chief AI Officer. The AI Accountable Officer: - is the primary contact for whole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keeping staff informed of AI policy obligations and changes, - is accountable for implementing AI policy within the agency, including governance frameworks, transparency statements and internal registers, - oversees AI risk assessments and ensures appropriate controls are in place. The department’s AI Accountable Officer is Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer. The department’s Chief AI Officer is responsible for: - leading and championing a department-wide approach to AI adoption, driving change and uplifting AI literacy in the department, - identifying, prioritising and sponsoring high-value AI use cases, - reporting to the department’s Executive Board, working with the AI Accountable Officer to ensure AI adoption occurs within agreed risk boundaries and in alignment with whole-of-government policy and community expectations. The department’s Chief AI Officer is Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division. ## Governance and transparency The department is maturing its AI governance arrangements. Existing governance arrangements such as the departments Audit and Risk Committee receive regular updates and review of AI usage, tooling, training and compliance. The departments AI Transparency Statement and internal AI guidance are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect progress or changes and comply with Australian Government policy. The department maintains an AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in line with the Archives Act 1983. The department has approved the use of Microsoft Copilot and made Copilot Chat available to all staff. All staff are required to complete the AI in Government Fundamentals training developed by the Australian Public Service Commission every 12 months. ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The Department of Education is primarily using AI to improve internal efficiency. Staff are encouraged to use AI to draft, summarise and refine their work, support the processing of large volumes of data and information, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. Staff must review outputs for quality and accuracy. To minimise risk and safeguard the public, the Department of Education does not use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability. ## Review and Updates This statement is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to how the Department uses AI. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, [contact us](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/contact-us#toc-online-contact-form).
    d4197a9
  2. substantive+405

    Names Brendan Moon as Chief AI Officer, sets out his duties, and cuts back from two AI Accountable Officers to one.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A//www.education.gov.au/about-department/corporate-reporting/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement Learn how the Department of Education uses artificial intelligence safely and responsibly to improve services, inform policy, and support quality education. ## On this page: The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents to transform the way we work and how we deliver our services. We are committed to using AI safely, responsibly and transparently to support our mission to ensure all Australians can access quality education. Our use of AI is considered and purposeful. We are maturing our understanding and use through trialling and experimentation to better inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilities. Our use of AI is informed by and aligned with the [AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Policy for Responsible use of AI in Government](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy). The department is developing its own AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12 – 18 month period. We also have our own internal AI Guidelines to help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace. ## AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officer The Department of Education’s use of AI is overseen by our AI Accountable Officers and a Chief AI Officer. The AI Accountable Officers: - areis the primary contacts for whole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keeping staff informed of AI policy obligations and changes., - areis accountable for implementing AI policy within the agency, including governance frameworks, transparency statements and internal registers, - oversees AI risk assessments and ensures appropriate controls are in place,. The department’s AI Accountable Officers are: - is Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer - Matthew Johnston, First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement T. The department’s Chief AI Officer is responsible for: - leading and championing a department-wide approach to AI adoption, driving change and uplifting AI literacy in the department, - identifying, prioritising and sponsoring high-value AI use cases, - reporting to the department’s Chief AI Officer is responsible for driving value, adoption and cultural change through AI. Executive Board, working with the AI Accountable Officer to ensure AI adoption occurs within agreed risk boundaries and in alignment with whole-of-government policy and community expectations. The department’s Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026is Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division. ## Governance and transparency The department is maturing its AI governance arrangements. Existing governance arrangements such as the departments Audit and Risk Committee receive regular updates and review of AI usage, tooling, training and compliance. The departments AI Transparency Statement and internal AI guidance are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect progress or changes and comply with Australian Government policy. The department maintains an AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in line with the Archives Act 1983. The department has approved the use of Microsoft Copilot and made Copilot Chat available to all staff. All staff are required to complete the AI in Government Fundamentals training developed by the Australian Public Service Commission every 12 months. ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The Department of Education is primarily using AI to improve internal efficiency. Staff are encouraged to use AI to draft, summarise and refine their work, support the processing of large volumes of data and information, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. Staff must review outputs for quality and accuracy. To minimise risk and safeguard the public, the Department of Education **does not** use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions **are made by staff** , ensuring human oversight and accountability. ## Review and Updates This statement is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to how the Department uses AI. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, [contact us](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/contact-us#toc-online-contact-form).
    dc8eebf
  3. cosmetic+5

    Fixes punctuation in a sentence about staff use of AI, adding a missing comma and "and"; no change of substance.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A//www.education.gov.au/about-department/corporate-reporting/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement Learn how the Department of Education uses artificial intelligence safely and responsibly to improve services, inform policy, and support quality education. ## On this page: The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents to transform the way we work and how we deliver our services. We are committed to using AI safely, responsibly and transparently to support our mission to ensure all Australians can access quality education. Our use of AI is considered and purposeful. We are maturing our understanding and use through trialling and experimentation to better inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilities. Our use of AI is informed by and aligned with the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Policy for Responsible use of AI in Government. The department is developing its own AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12 – 18 month period. We also have our own internal AI Guidelines to help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace. ## AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officer The Department of Education’s use of AI is overseen by our AI Accountable Officers. The AI Accountable Officers: - are the primary contacts for whole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keep staff informed of AI policy obligations and changes. - are accountable for implementing AI policy within the agency, including governance frameworks, transparency statements and internal registers - oversee AI risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place, The departments AI Accountable Officers are: - Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer - Matthew Johnston, First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement The departments Chief AI Officer is responsible for driving value, adoption and cultural change through AI. The departments Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026. ## Governance and transparency The department is maturing its AI governance arrangements. Existing governance arrangements such as the departments Audit and Risk Committee receive regular updates and review of AI usage, tooling, training and compliance. The departments AI Transparency Statement and internal AI guidance are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect progress or changes and comply with Australian Government policy. The department maintains an AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in line with the Archives Act 1983. The department has approved the use of Microsoft Copilot and made Copilot Chat available to all staff. All staff are required to complete the AI in Government Fundamentals training developed by the Australian Public Service Commission every 12 months. ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The Department of Education is primarily using AI to improve internal efficiency. Staff are encouraged to use AI to draft, summarise and refine their work, support the processing of large volumes of data and information, and reduce time spent on routine tasks. Staff must review outputs for quality and accuracy. To minimise risk and safeguard the public, the Department of Education **does not** use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions **are made by staff** , ensuring human oversight and accountability. ## Review and Updates This statement is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to how the Department uses AI. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, [contact us](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/contact-us#toc-online-contact-form).
    48a2307
  4. substantive-1309

    Rewrites the statement: new Accountable Officer, a Chief AI Officer promised by June 2026, mandatory staff training, but drops the detailed use-case table and no-public-chatbot commitment.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A//www.education.gov.au/about-department/corporate-reporting/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement TLearn how the dDepartment of Education uses Aartificial Iintelligence (AI) in asafely and responsible and transparent way that upholds citizens’ personal privacy and rights and assesses the value of AI uses in an ethical and transparent manner, while keeping people at the centre of how we work. We aim to use AI within the department in ways that improve operational efficiency and assist the department in meeting its mission to ensure access to quality education for all Australians. ## On this page: ## Why and how does the department use Ay to improve services, inform policy, and support quality education. ## On this page: The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial Iintelligence (AI)? Currently, the primary use of AI within the departm present is through the Microsoft Copilot tool that is available in Microsoft digital products. Key examples of what this means in practice are: Productivity and Enabling| Information Analytics and Insight| Policy and Legal\ ---|---|--- - Sorting high volumes of stakeholder communication - Improving search and sorting processes related to file management | - Assisting helpdesks roles to sort through large amounts of case information - Organising large volumes of held information related to educational institutions | - Using AI to review information around policies relevant to the department's core focuses - Using AI to assist with legal review where large amounts of case materials exist ## Governance, management, and transparency We are foco transform the way we work and how we deliver our services. We are committed to using AI safely, responsibly and transparently to support our mission to ensure all Australians can access quality education. Our use of AI is considered and purposeful. We are maturing our understanding and use through trialling and experimentation to better inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilities. Our used on establf AI ish ing an AI governance regime that ensures AI serves our strategic objectives and those of the government. We have appointed accountable officials for AI and we are establishing appropriate review structures for new uses of AI. These will monitor use cases to ensure ethical uses of AI and alignment of AI and data governance to ensure that the way collected data is used by AI tools does not differ from stated collection purposes. The department also maintains clear communication with its IT partner provider, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relformed by and aligned with the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Policy for Responsible use of AI in Government. The department is developing its own AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12 – 18 month period. We also have our own internal AI Guidelines to help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace. ## AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officer The Department of Education’s (DEWR) to ensure thatuse of AI gis overnance and approaches are aligned. The use of AI in the department is periodically re-examined and reviewed in the Department’s Audit and Risk committee. In extraordinary circumstanceseen by our AI Accountable Officers. The AI Accountable Officers: - are the primary contacts for if there are rapidly emerging risks around AI deployment, committee members can require out-of-session reviews or an extraordinary session of the committee to deal with these risks. In addition to monitoring developing AI risks, the Audit and Risk committee and the department’s Digital Services team will ensure that the use of AI within the department is effective, measurable and sustained and complies with all relevant government cybersecurity standards. The departwhole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keep staff informed of AI policy obligations and changes. - are accountable for implementing AI policy within the agency, including governance frameworks, transparency statement is also developing an AI use case register, as recommended by the Commonwealth [Policy for the Responsible use of AI](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government). The department has appointed two Accountable Officers for the use of AI. Theynd internal registers - oversee AI risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place, The departments AI Accountable Officers are: **- Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer** **Hamish McDonald,** ** - Matthew Johnston, First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement** The department will periodically review other measures, including these governance arrangements and this transparency statement, to ensure that the department remains compliant with all requirements for the [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai). ## What we won’t use AI for The department currently does not allow AI for fully automated outpus Chief AI Officer is responsible for driving value, adoption and cultural change through AI. The departments Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026. ## Governance and transparency The department is maturing its AI governance arrangements. Existing governance arrangements such as the departments Audit and Risk Committee receive regular updates and review of AI usage, tooling, training and compliance. The departments AI Transparency Statement and internal AI guidance are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect procgresses, interaction with the public or in conjunction with other automated decision or changes and comply with Australian Government policy. The department making (ADM) programs. This means that AI outputs will be reviewed by a staff member with the experience to know if outputs are appropriate (i.e. human-in-the-loop), the public will not interact with a chatbot or similar agent when contacting us, and automated decision making will not be combined witains an AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in line with the Archives Act 1983. The department has approved the use of Microsoft Copilot and made Copilot Chat available to all staff. All staff are required to complete the ADM programs which are already understood as potentially higher risk to the public due to large scale or high volume of output. ## Compliance with relevant laws and regulations While enabling the use of AI as part of a general strategy to promote innovation in ways of working, the department acts in line with all relevant pieces of legislation and regulation that govern the information that it manages and appropriate uses of that information. This includes: - the [Privacy Act (1988)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A03712/2019-08-13/text) - [Public Governance, PerformanceI in Government Fundamentals training developed by the Australian Public Service Commission every 12 months. ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The Department of Education is primarily using AI to improve internal efficiency. Staff are encouraged to use AI to draft, summarise and refine their work, support the processing of large volumes of data and information reduce time spent on routine tasks. Staff must review outputs for quality and Aaccountability Act (2013)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2013A00123/latest/text) - [Australian Public Service Code of Conduct](https://www.apsc.gov.au/publication/aps-values-and-code-conduct-practice) - [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government) This transparency statement will be annually reviewed and re-released with relevant updatesuracy. To minimise risk and safeguard the public, the Department of Education **does not** use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions **are made by staff** , ensuring human oversight and accountability. ## Review and Updates This statement is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to how the Department uses AI. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, please [contact [digitalservices@education.gov.au](mailto:digitalservices@education.gov.auus](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/contact-us#toc-online-contact-form).
    542b52f
  5. date stamp-49
    View diff
    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A//www.education.gov.au/about-department/corporate-reporting/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement The department uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a responsible and transparent way that upholds citizens’ personal privacy and rights and assesses the value of AI uses in an ethical and transparent manner, while keeping people at the centre of how we work. We aim to use AI within the department in ways that improve operational efficiency and assist the department in meeting its mission to ensure access to quality education for all Australians. ## On this page: ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Currently, the primary use of AI within the department is through the Microsoft Copilot tool that is available in Microsoft digital products. Key examples of what this means in practice are: Productivity and Enabling| Information Analytics and Insight| Policy and Legal\ ---|---|--- - Sorting high volumes of stakeholder communication - Improving search and sorting processes related to file management | - Assisting helpdesks roles to sort through large amounts of case information - Organising large volumes of held information related to educational institutions | - Using AI to review information around policies relevant to the department's core focuses - Using AI to assist with legal review where large amounts of case materials exist ## Governance, management, and transparency We are focused on establishing an AI governance regime that ensures AI serves our strategic objectives and those of the government. We have appointed accountable officials for AI and we are establishing appropriate review structures for new uses of AI. These will monitor use cases to ensure ethical uses of AI and alignment of AI and data governance to ensure that the way collected data is used by AI tools does not differ from stated collection purposes. The department also maintains clear communication with its IT partner provider, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to ensure that AI governance and approaches are aligned. The use of AI in the department is periodically re-examined and reviewed in the Department’s Audit and Risk committee. In extraordinary circumstances or if there are rapidly emerging risks around AI deployment, committee members can require out-of-session reviews or an extraordinary session of the committee to deal with these risks. In addition to monitoring developing AI risks, the Audit and Risk committee and the department’s Digital Services team will ensure that the use of AI within the department is effective, measurable and sustained and complies with all relevant government cybersecurity standards. The department is also developing an AI use case register, as recommended by the Commonwealth [Policy for the Responsible use of AI](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government). The department has appointed two Accountable Officers for the use of AI. They are: **Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer** **Hamish McDonald,** **First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement** The department will periodically review other measures, including these governance arrangements and this transparency statement, to ensure that the department remains compliant with all requirements for the [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai). ## What we won’t use AI for The department currently does not allow AI for fully automated output processes, interaction with the public or in conjunction with other automated decision making (ADM) programs. This means that AI outputs will be reviewed by a staff member with the experience to know if outputs are appropriate (i.e. human-in-the-loop), the public will not interact with a chatbot or similar agent when contacting us, and automated decision making will not be combined with ADM programs which are already understood as potentially higher risk to the public due to large scale or high volume of output. ## Compliance with relevant laws and regulations While enabling the use of AI as part of a general strategy to promote innovation in ways of working, the department acts in line with all relevant pieces of legislation and regulation that govern the information that it manages and appropriate uses of that information. This includes: - the [Privacy Act (1988)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A03712/2019-08-13/text) - [Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act (2013)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2013A00123/latest/text) - [Australian Public Service Code of Conduct](https://www.apsc.gov.au/publication/aps-values-and-code-conduct-practice) - [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government) This transparency statement will be annually reviewed and re-released with relevant updates. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, please contact [digitalservices@education.gov.au](mailto:digitalservices@education.gov.au). **This statement was last updated 30/09/2025.**
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    [ Listen ](https://app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=13793&lang=en_au&readid=main-content&url=https%3A%2F%2F//www.education.gov.au%2F/about-department%2F/corporate-reporting%2F/artificial-intelligence-ai-transparency-statement "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") # Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement The department uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a responsible and transparent way that upholds citizens’ personal privacy and rights and assesses the value of AI uses in an ethical and transparent manner, while keeping people at the centre of how we work. We aim to use AI within the department in ways that improve operational efficiency and assist the department in meeting its mission to ensure access to quality education for all Australians. ## On this page: ## Why and how does the department use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Currently, the primary use of AI within the department is through the Microsoft Copilot tool that is available in Microsoft digital products. Key examples of what this means in practice are: Productivity and Enabling| Information Analytics and Insight| Policy and Legal\ ---|---|--- - Sorting high volumes of stakeholder communication - Improving search and sorting processes related to file management | - Assisting helpdesks roles to sort through large amounts of case information - Organising large volumes of held information related to educational institutions | - Using AI to review information around policies relevant to the department's core focuses - Using AI to assist with legal review where large amounts of case materials exist ## Governance, management, and transparency We are focused on establishing an AI governance regime that ensures AI serves our strategic objectives and those of the government. We have appointed accountable officials for AI and we are establishing appropriate review structures for new uses of AI. These will monitor use cases to ensure ethical uses of AI and alignment of AI and data governance to ensure that the way collected data is used by AI tools does not differ from stated collection purposes. The department also maintains clear communication with its IT partner provider, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to ensure that AI governance and approaches are aligned. The use of AI in the department is periodically re-examined and reviewed in the Department’s Audit and Risk committee. In extraordinary circumstances or if there are rapidly emerging risks around AI deployment, committee members can require out-of-session reviews or an extraordinary session of the committee to deal with these risks. In addition to monitoring developing AI risks, the Audit and Risk committee and the department’s Digital Services team will ensure that the use of AI within the department is effective, measurable and sustained and complies with all relevant government cybersecurity standards. The department is also developing an AI use case register, as recommended by the Commonwealth [Policy for the Responsible use of AI](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government). The department has appointed two Accountable Officers for the use of AI. They are: **Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer** **Hamish McDonald,** **First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement** The department will periodically review other measures, including these governance arrangements and this transparency statement, to ensure that the department remains compliant with all requirements for the [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/policy/ai). ## What we won’t use AI for The department currently does not allow AI for fully automated output processes, interaction with the public or in conjunction with other automated decision making (ADM) programs. This means that AI outputs will be reviewed by a staff member with the experience to know if outputs are appropriate (i.e. human-in-the-loop), the public will not interact with a chatbot or similar agent when contacting us, and automated decision making will not be combined with ADM programs which are already understood as potentially higher risk to the public due to large scale or high volume of output. ## Compliance with relevant laws and regulations While enabling the use of AI as part of a general strategy to promote innovation in ways of working, the department acts in line with all relevant pieces of legislation and regulation that govern the information that it manages and appropriate uses of that information. This includes: - the [Privacy Act (1988)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A03712/2019-08-13/text) - [Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act (2013)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2013A00123/latest/text) - [Australian Public Service Code of Conduct](https://www.apsc.gov.au/publication/aps-values-and-code-conduct-practice) - [Policy for responsible use of AI in government](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/policy/responsible-use-of-ai-in-government) This transparency statement will be annually reviewed and re-released with relevant updates. ## Contact Information For inquiries regarding the department’s use of AI, please contact [digitalservices@education.gov.au](mailto:digitalservices@education.gov.au). **This statement was last updated 30/09/2025.**
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