THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has released its report on artificial intelligence (AI) use in the public sector, examining whether current policies across the Commonwealth Government are fit for purpose.
Committee Chair Linda Burney emphasised the importance of balancing AI’s potential benefits with its risks.
“These policy and governance frameworks must be equipped to adequately assess the great promise that AI brings but also understand the inherent and significant risks that accompany its use,” Ms Burney said.
The Committee had a range of recommendations in the report. These include:
- Introducing detailed questions on AI use and understanding in the Australian Public Service Commission’s annual APS census.
- Establishing a whole-of-government working group within 12 months to develop mandatory rules, governance frameworks, and legislation for AI systems.
- Creating a statutory Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies to oversee how the Government and public service manage AI’s impacts.
The report has also urged the Government to act swiftly to ensure responsible AI development and oversight.
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