APS AI Tracker

EDUCATION

Department of Education

View the original ↗

Tracked since 11 Nov 2025 · 3 changes of substance across 6 versions · last changed 7 Oct 2026

What’s changed

How to read this

  1. Tracking begins. The statement already existed, and doesn’t say when it was first published.

  2. substantive Rewrites its statement: swaps one AI Accountable Officer, promises a Chief AI Officer by June 2026, rules out automated decision-making, but drops its no-public-chatbot commitment and use-case examples.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Removed: commitment that the public will not interact with a chatbot or similar AI agent
    • Removed: ban on fully automated AI outputs and on combining AI with existing ADM programs, replaced by a flat statement that AI is not used for automated decision-making and all decisions are made by staff
    • AI Accountable Officer Hamish McDonald replaced by Matthew Johnston (FAS Strategy, Data and Measurement)
    • Chief AI Officer to be in place by June 2026
    • Copilot Chat made available to all staff, with annual mandatory APSC AI in Government Fundamentals training
    • AI use case register now maintained (previously described as being developed)
    • New: AI Strategy and Roadmap for the next 12–18 months under development, plus internal AI Guidelines
    • Review cadence now annual or sooner if use changes significantly
    • Contact changed from digitalservices@education.gov.au to a generic online contact form
    • Removed: use-case examples (stakeholder correspondence sorting, helpdesk, legal review, policy review)
    • Removed: mention of DEWR as IT partner and alignment with it
    • Removed: list of relevant laws (Privacy Act, PGPA Act, APS Code of Conduct)
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Does not allow AI for fully automated output processes
    • Commitment dropped (will not): Public will not interact with a chatbot or similar AI agent when contacting the department
    • Commitment dropped (will): Establishing review structures for new uses of AI
    • Commitment: no public-facing AI without a human removed
    • AI use-case register: planned → in place
    • Chief AI Officer: not mentioned → planned
    • New commitment (human oversight): All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability
    • New commitment (will): All staff required to complete AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months
    • New commitment (will): Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026
    • New commitment (will): Developing an AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12–18 months
    • Safeguard added: acceptable use policy
    • Safeguard added: risk assessment
    • Safeguard added: staff training
    • Staff training: not mentioned → mandatory
    • Strategic position on AI: not mentioned → planned
    • Commitment kept (will): Developing an AI use case register as recommended by the Policy
    • Public-facing AI use: none → with human review
    • Review cadence: annual → annual and on change
    Show the words that changed ↓

  3. One cosmetic edit : Fixes a missing comma and "and" in the sentence describing staff use of AI. The substance of the statement is unchanged.

  4. substantive Names Brendan Moon as Chief AI Officer and sets out his duties, drops Matthew Johnston as a second AI Accountable Officer, and leaves Kerryn Kovacevic as the sole AI Accountable Officer.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Chief AI Officer appointed: Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division
    • Chief AI Officer's duties set out: leading AI adoption, raising AI literacy, sponsoring high-value use cases, reporting to the Executive Board within agreed risk limits
    • Removed: Matthew Johnston (First Assistant Secretary, Strategy, Data and Measurement) as an AI Accountable Officer
    • Removed: commitment that a Chief AI Officer would be in place by June 2026 (now filled)
    • Link added to the DTA's AI in government policy page
    • Chief AI Officer: planned → in place
    • Commitment kept (will): Chief AI Officer will be in place by June 2026
    Show the words that changed ↓

  5. substantive Rewrites the statement, naming its AI tools, disclosing AI support for decision-making and recruitment, adding a steering committee, and declaring no public-facing AI.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • Altered: 'does not use AI for automated decision-making' becomes 'does not use AI to make final decisions'; AI now supports decision-making and administrative action, with staff making the decision
    • Added: usage patterns and domains under the Australian Government Classification System for AI Use, including service delivery and regulation and compliance
    • Added: new uses disclosed, including administrative support for recruitment, generating visuals and imagery, workflow automation, and flagging anomalies for staff review
    • Added: tools named: Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot, a Databricks AI trial, and GovAI Chat (limited to public and OFFICIAL information)
    • Added: statement that the department operates no AI service that directly interacts with the public
    • Added: AI Steering Committee, working-level coordination and accountable owners for in-scope use cases
    • Added: privacy impact assessments and data security embedded in AI governance, with a link to the Privacy Policy
    • Added: AI outputs must be reviewed by an appropriately skilled staff member before being relied on
    • Added: use case register scope (development, testing or production) and its role in reporting to the DTA
    • Added: measures of adoption, staff confidence, quality and benefits are in development
    • Removed: reference to developing a departmental AI Strategy and Roadmap for the next 12–18 months
    • Removed: detailed officer responsibilities, including the Chief AI Officer reporting to the Executive Board and the Accountable Officer overseeing AI risk assessments
    • Removed: explicit reference to record keeping under the Archives Act 1983, replaced by general information management obligations
    • Altered: contact point changed from the online contact form to AI.ICT.Support@education.gov.au
    • Added: 'Last updated: October 2026' date stamp
    • Commitment dropped (will not): AI will not be combined with automated decision making (ADM) programs
    • Commitment dropped (will): Developing an AI Strategy and Roadmap for the coming 12–18 months
    • Commitment dropped (will): Periodically review governance arrangements and statement to remain compliant with the Policy
    • Strategic position on AI: planned → not mentioned
    • Domain added: compliance and fraud detection
    • Domain added: service delivery
    • Named tool added: Databricks
    • Named tool added: GitHub Copilot
    • Named tool added: GovAI Chat
    • Named tool added: Microsoft Copilot Studio
    • New commitment (will not): Staff must not enter personal, OFFICIAL: Sensitive, PROTECTED or higher classified information into GovAI Chat
    • New commitment (will not): The department does not use AI to make final decisions
    • New commitment (will): Developing measures to understand adoption, staff confidence, quality and benefits
    • New commitment (will): Statement will be updated to reflect significant developments in arrangements and new use cases
    • Usage pattern added: decision making and administrative action
    • Stated last-updated date: — → 2026-10
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

The Department of Education uses AI, mainly Microsoft Copilot tools, GovAI Chat and trial analytics capabilities, to support staff productivity, policy development, information management and decision support, and says AI does not make final decisions. It governs this through an AI Accountable Officer, a Chief AI Officer, an AI Steering Committee, Audit and Risk Committee oversight, an internal use case register, staff guidance and mandatory annual training. read by Claude Opus 5.5

What it says AI is used for

  • Workplace productivity
  • Analytics for insights
  • Decision making and administrative action
  • Corporate and enabling
  • Policy and legal
  • Service delivery
  • Compliance and fraud detection

Named tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, Microsoft Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot, Databricks, GovAI Chat

Public-facing AI: yes, with human review

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

The Standard’s eight elements 8 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
Chief Information Officer
Strategic position on AI
not mentioned
AI use-case register
in place
Staff training
mandatory
Policy version referenced
unspecified version

What the AI Plan asks AI Plan

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

Dates as of 12 Oct 2026

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

Commitments

  • will not The department does not use AI to make final decisions
  • will not Staff must not enter personal, OFFICIAL: Sensitive, PROTECTED or higher classified information into GovAI Chat
  • human oversight AI outputs reviewed by an experienced staff member (human-in-the-loop)
  • human oversight All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountability
  • will Transparency statement will be annually reviewed and re-released
  • will All staff required to complete AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months
  • will Statement will be updated to reflect significant developments in arrangements and new use cases
  • will Developing measures to understand adoption, staff confidence, quality and benefits

The statement

How to read this

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

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 improve the way we work and deliver 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 progressively expanding its use to support staff, improve productivity, inform policy development, strengthen information management and improve internal processes. Our approach aligns with the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Digital Transformation Agency’s Policy for the responsible use of AI in government. It is supported by governance, guidance, training, risk management and assurance, with appropriate human oversight and accountability. The department is supporting staff to improve productivity, inform policy development, strengthen information management, improve internal processes, and assist our decision making.

The department is progressively adopting and integrating AI technologies into its operations. Our governance, assessment, monitoring and benefits realisation arrangements will continue to evolve and mature over time. This statement will be updated to reflect significant developments in those arrangements and the introduction of new use cases.

The department uses AI primarily to support staff and improve internal operations. Consistent with the Australian Government Classification System for AI Use, we classify our current and emerging AI activities by usage pattern and domain. These classifications include operational uses, controlled trials and use cases in development.

Our current and emerging AI activities include the following usage patterns:

  • supporting decision-making and administrative action.

They occur across the following domains:

  • drafting, summarising and refining written materials
  • supporting research, information discovery and knowledge management
  • assisting with data analysis and the processing of large volumes of information
  • supporting the development of communication products, including generating visuals, imagery
  • supporting workflow automation and business process improvement
  • providing staff with access to approved conversational AI tools
  • supporting administrative aspects of recruitment while preserving merit-based, human decision-making
  • identifying patterns, missing information or anomalies for further staff review.

AI outputs must be reviewed by an appropriately skilled departmental staff member before they are relied on or used. AI does not replace the judgement, authority or accountability of departmental decision-makers.

The department does not use AI to make final decisions. Where AI supports decision-making or administrative action, departmental employees remain responsible for assessing the evidence, applying relevant law and policy, and making the decision.

Approved tools and information handling

The department provides access to approved AI tools within managed government environments. These include Microsoft Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot for licensed users, Copilot Studio and GitHub Copilot for a limited number of users supporting data and software development activities. A limited number of users are also trialing AI capabilities available through the Databricks service to support data analytics.

Staff can also access GovAI Chat, a government-managed generative AI service supported by the Department of Finance. At the date of this statement, GovAI Chat is limited to publicly available and OFFICIAL information. Staff must not enter personal information, OFFICIAL: Sensitive information, PROTECTED information or information at a higher classification into GovAI Chat.

Information assets created using AI are subject to the same information management standards, obligations and accountability as all other information assets.

The department has established governance arrangements to oversee AI adoption and manage risk, including:

  • an AI Accountable Officer responsible for implementing whole-of-government AI policy and overseeing assurance and transparency obligations. The department’s AI Accountable Officer is Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer
  • a Chief AI Officer responsible for supporting responsible adoption, capability uplift and high-value use cases. The department’s Chief AI Officer is Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division
  • an AI Steering Committee providing strategic oversight and monitoring delivery priorities
  • executive and Audit and Risk Committee oversight through regular reporting
  • working-level coordination across governance, people and change, tools, data, ethics and adoption
  • accountable owners for in-scope AI use cases.

Privacy impact assessments and data security considerations are embedded into the AI governance process, ensuring that the department’s AI tools maintain the privacy of Australians and that their use adheres to our privacy obligations, including under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). More information about how the department manages personal information can be found in our Privacy Policy, including in relation to our use of AI.

AI use case register and assurance

The department maintains an internal AI Use Case Register for AI activity in development, testing or production that falls within the scope of the register. Concepts that have not progressed to development or testing are not recorded as active use cases.

The register supports accountability, monitoring, risk management, assurance and reporting to the Digital Transformation Agency.

The register is updated as use cases are identified, changed, deployed or retired. The department is continuing to improve its processes for identifying and recording use cases.

Capability, training and staff guidance

Staff must complete the Australian Public Service Commission’s AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months. The department complements this with internal guidance, practical learning and communications to build AI literacy and confidence.

Guidance covers approved tools, safe prompting, information handling, privacy, security, quality assurance, records management, accessibility, responsible decision support and use in specific business contexts.

The department is also developing measures to understand adoption, staff confidence, quality and benefits. These measures will inform guidance, investment and future updates to the department’s AI approach.

Public interaction with AI Also appears in 2 other agencies AOFM TREASURY

At the date of publication, the department does not operate an AI service that directly interacts with members of the public.

This statement will be reviewed at least annually and updated earlier where significant changes occur.

Statements about current use and controls reflect the department’s position at the date of publication and may change as tools, risks, use cases and government requirements evolve.

Last updated: October 2026

For questions or concerns about the department’s use of AI, contact: AI.ICT.Support@education.gov.au.

Statement text © Department of Education. 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 +3601

    Rewrites the statement, naming its AI tools, disclosing AI support for decision-making and recruitment, adding a steering committee, and declaring no public-facing AI.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    [ 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. The Department of Education recognises the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents to transformimprove 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 understprogressively expanding andits use through trialling and experimentation to bettero support staff, improve productivity, inform our policy development, unlock internal efficiencies and uplift our capabilitistrengthen information management and improve internal processes. Our use of AI is informed by andapproach aligneds with the [AI Plan for the Australian Public Service and the Digital Transformation Agency’s Policy for Rthe responsible use of AI in Ggovernment](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 Guidelin. It is supported by governance, guidance, training, risk management and assurance, with appropriate human oversight and accountability. The department is supporting staff to improve productivity, inform policy development, strengthen information management, improve internal processes, and assist our decision making. The department is progressively adopting and integrating AI technologies into help staff understand their responsibilities and obligations when using AI in the workplace. ## AI Accountable Officer and Chief AI Officerits operations. Our governance, assessment, monitoring and benefits realisation arrangements will continue to evolve and mature over time. This statement will be updated to reflect significant developments in those arrangements and the introduction of new use cases. ## Why and how we use AI The Ddepartment of Education’s use of AI is overseen by our AI Accountable Officuses AI primarily to support staff and improve internal operations. Consistent with the Australian Government Classification System for AI Use, we classify our current and emerging AI activities by usage pattern and a Chief AI Officer. The AI Acdomain. These classifications include operational uses, countable Officer: - is the primary contact for whole‑of‑government AI assurance and coordination, and keeping staff informed of AI policy obligrolled trials and use cases in development. Our current and emerging AI activities include the following usage patterns: - workplace productivity - analytics for insights - supporting decision-making and administrative action. They occur across the following domains: - corporate and enabling - policy and legal - service delivery - regulations 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 Kovacevompliance. Examples include: - drafting, summarising and refining written materials - supporting research, information discovery and knowledge management - assisting with data analysis and the processing of large volumes of information - supporting the development of communication products, including generating visuals, imagery - supporting workflow automation and business process improvement - providing staff with access to approved conversational AI tools - supporting administrative aspects of recruitment while preserving merit-based, human decision-making - identifying patterns, missing information or anomalies for further staff review. AI outputs must be reviewed by an appropriately skilled departmental staff member before they are relied on or used. AI does not replace the judgement, authority or accountability of departmental decision-makers. The department does not use AI to make final decisions. Where AI supports decision-making or administrative action, departmental employees remain responsible for assessing the evidence, applying relevant law and policy, Chief Iand making the decision. ## Approved tools and information Officer.handling The department’s Chief AI Officer is responsible for: - leading and championing a department-wide approach to AI adoption, driving provides access to approved AI tools within managed government environments. These include Microsoft Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot for licensed users, Copilot Studio and GitHub Copilot for a limited number of users supporting data and software development activities. A limited number of users are also trialing AI capabilities available through the Databricks service to support data analytics. Staff 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 also access GovAI Chat, a government-managed generative AI service supported by the Department of Finance. At the date of this statement, GovAI Chat is limited to publicly available and OFFICIAL information. Staff must not enter personal information, OFFICIAL: Sensitive information, PROTECTED information or information at a higher classification into GovAI Chat. Information assets created using AI are subject to the same information management standards, obligations and accountability as all other information assets. ## Governance and accountability The department has established governance arrangements to oversee AI adoption and manage risk, including: - an AI Accountable Officer responsible for implementing whole-of-government AI 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 choverseeing assurance and transparency obligations. The department’s AI Accountable Officer is Kerryn Kovacevic, Chief Information Officer - a Chief AI Officer responsible for supporting responsible adoption, capability uplift and high-value use cases. The department’s Chief AI Officer is Brendan Moon, First Assistant Secretary, Child Care Integrity Division - an AI Steering Committee providing strategic oversight and monitoring delivery priorities - executive and Audit and Risk Committee oversight through regular reporting - working-level coordination across governance, people and change, tools, data, ethics and adoption - accountable owners for in-scope AI use cases. Privacy impact assessments and data security considerations are embedded into the AI governance process, ensuring that the department’s AI tools maintain the privacy of Australians and that their use adheres to our privacy obligations, including under the _Privacy Act 1988_ (Cth). More information about how the department manages and comply with Australian Government policy. The department maintains anpersonal information can be found in our [Privacy Policy](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/resources/department-education-complete-privacy-policy), including in relation to our use of AI. ## AI use case register and has clear guidance on approved tools and record keeping requirements in linesurance The department maintains an internal AI Use Case Register for AI activity in development, testing or production that falls within 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 accurscope of the register. Concepts that have not progressed to development or testing are not recorded as active use cases. The register supports accountability, monitoring, risk management, assurance and reporting to the Digital Transformation Agency. The register is updated as use cases are identified, changed, deployed or retired. The department is continuing to improve its processes for identifying and recording use cases. ## Capability, training and staff guidance Staff must complete the Australian Public Service Commission’s AI in Government Fundamentals training every 12 months. The department complements this with internal guidance, practical learning and communications to build AI literacy and confidence. Guidance covers approved tools, safe prompting, information handling, privacy, security, quality assurance, records management, accessibility, responsible decision support and use in specific business contexts. The department is also developing measures to understand adoption, staff confidence, quality and benefits. These measures will inform guidance, investment and future updates to the department’s AI approacyh. To minimise risk and safeguard the## Public interaction with AI At the date of publication, the Ddepartment of Education does not use AI for automated decision-making. All decisions are made by staff, ensuring human oversight and accountabilitydoes not operate an AI service that directly interacts with members of the public. ## Review and Uupdates This statement iswill be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to howt least annually and updated earlier where significant changes occur. Statements about current use and controls reflect the Ddepartment uses AI.’s position at the date of publication and may change as tools, risks, use cases and government requirements evolve. Last updated: October 2026 ## Contact Iinformation For inquiries regardingquestions or concerns about the department’s use of AI, [contact us](https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/contact-us#toc-online-contact-form: [AI.ICT.Support@education.gov.au](mailto:AI.ICT.Support@education.gov.au).
    90a4e36
  2. substantive +405

    Names Brendan Moon as Chief AI Officer and sets out his duties, drops Matthew Johnston as a second AI Accountable Officer, and leaves Kerryn Kovacevic as the sole AI Accountable Officer.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    [ 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. 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).
    b7f7d50
  3. cosmetic +5

    Fixes a missing comma and "and" in the sentence describing staff use of AI. The substance of the statement is unchanged.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    [ 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. 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).
    e99b909
  4. substantive -1387

    Rewrites its statement: swaps one AI Accountable Officer, promises a Chief AI Officer by June 2026, rules out automated decision-making, but drops its no-public-chatbot commitment and use-case examples.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    [ 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 usy to improve services, in an ethical and transparent manner, while keeping people at the centre of how we work. We aim to use AI within tform policy, and support quality education. The dDepartment in ways that improve operational efficiency and assist the department in meeting its mission to ensure access to quality education for all Australians. ## Why and how does the department use Aof Education recognises the opportunities artificial Iintelligence (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 foc 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 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 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. Theywhole‑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** **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 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 strategytains 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 impromotve 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, Performanceternal 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).
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  5. noise -6
    The words that changed
    [ 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. ## 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).
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  6. first tracked +5400

    First tracked version.

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