The statement
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) recognises the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and service delivery. In adopting AI technologies, PM&C is committed to upholding the highest transparency, risk management, and governance standards to ensure responsible and ethical use.
Our approach to AI transparency Also appears in 2 other agencies DVSC NZEA
- Accountability and oversight – PM&C's AI systems are subject to robust governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with legal, ethical, and policy obligations. We have appointed an Accountable Official and a Chief AI Officer to oversee how PM&C adopts and uses AI. (Template language)
- Explainability and fairness – We use AI models that are interpretable, fair, and free from bias, with clear explanations available for decisions made using AI.
- Privacy and security – Protecting personal data is paramount. AI applications comply with strict privacy and cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive information.
- Human oversight and decision-making – AI assists, not replaces, human judgement. Critical decisions remain under human supervision, with mechanisms in place for review.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement – AI systems are assessed for performance, fairness and transparency. Also appears in 1 other agency DVSC
PM&C adheres to Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, demonstrating our commitment to protecting privacy and security and to the Digital Transformation Agency’s Policy for the responsible use of AI in government. AI must be used in a manner consistent with the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles. (Template language)
In addition to Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, PM&C has adopted the following 6 AI principles:
- Only AI tools that are authorised for access and use within PM&C are to be used on our systems.
- Users must critically examine AI outputs and ensure they can justify their decisions. Also appears in 1 other agency ANMM
- AI input must not include or reveal classified, sensitive, or personal information. Also appears in 2 other agencies ANMM DVSC
- AI must not be the final decision-maker on government advice and services.
- AI must be used in a manner consistent with the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct. Also appears in 1 other agency DVSC
- PM&C will not use AI in any way that members of the public may directly interact with, or be significantly impacted by, without a human intermediary or intervention.
PM&C provides guidance to staff, including training in AI government fundamentals, to help understand the compliance and governance arrangements and the requirement to adhere to both internal and external policies.
PM&C is dedicated to fostering public trust by ensuring AI-driven processes remain ethical, responsible, and aligned with the interests of the Australian Government while still being able to harness AI technologies.
This statement will be reviewed annually, when PM&C makes significant changes to our approach to AI, or when any new factor impacts this statement.
For further information on PM&C’s AI governance and transparency please contact Help-ITServiceDesk@pmc.gov.au.
Authorised by Justin Keefe
First Assistant Secretary and PM&C Accountable Official
Digital Security and Workplace Operations Division
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Template language)
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) recognises the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and service delivery. In adopting AI technologies, PM&C is committed to upholding the highest transparency, risk management, and governance standards to ensure responsible and ethical use.
Our approach to AI transparency
- Accountability and Oversight —PM&C's AI systems are subject to robust governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with legal, ethical, and policy obligations.
- Explainability and Fairness —We use AI models that are interpretable, fair, and free from bias, with clear explanations available for decisions made using AI.
- Privacy and Security —Protecting personal data is paramount. AI applications comply with strict privacy and cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive information.
- Human Oversight and Decision-Making —AI assists, not replaces, human judgment. Critical decisions remain under human supervision, with mechanisms in place for review.
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement —AI systems are assessed for performance, fairness and transparency.
PM&C adheres to Australia’s AI Ethics Principles , demonstrating our commitment to protecting privacy and security and to the Digital Information Agency’s Policy for the responsible use of AI in government. AI must be used in a manner consistent with the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles.
In addition to Australia’s AI Ethics Principles, PM&C has adopted the following 6 AI principles:
- Only AI tools that are authorised for access and use within PM&C are to be deployed.
- Users must critically examine AI outputs and ensure they can justify their decisions.
- AI input must not include or reveal classified, sensitive, or personal information.
- AI must not be the final decision-maker on government advice and services.
- AI must be used in a manner consistent with the APS Values, Employment Principals and Code of Conduct.
- PM&C will not use AI in any way that members of the public may directly interact with, or be significantly impacted by, without a human intermediary or intervention.
PM&C provides guidance to staff, including training in AI government fundamentals, to help understand the compliance and governance arrangements and the requirement to adhere to both internal and external policies.
PM&C is dedicated to fostering public trust by ensuring AI-driven processes remain ethical, responsible, and aligned with the interests of the Australian Government while still being able to harness AI technologies.
This statement will be reviewed annually, when PM&C makes significant changes to our approach to AI, or when any new factor impacts this statement.
For further information on PM&C’s AI governance and transparency please contact Help-ITServiceDesk@pmc.gov.au.
Authorised by Justin Keefe
First Assistant Secretary
Digital Security and Workplace Operations Division
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
28 February 2025
Statement text © Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Most agency content is CC BY 4.0; check the original for its terms.