Record STMT-WD42955Advisory

National framework for the assurance of artificial intelligence in government

Framework Institutional policyOceania · AUadopted

The National Framework for the Assurance of Artificial Intelligence in Government establishes a nationally consistent approach for Australian, state, and territory governments to safely and responsibly adopt AI. Grounded in Australia's AI Ethics Principles, the framework provides cornerstones and practical implementation guidance covering governance, data governance, risk-based approaches, standards, and procurement. It aims to build public trust and confidence while ensuring the lawful, ethical, and transparent use of AI across public service delivery.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Department of Industry, Science and ResourcesGovernment

Lead issuer

Legal forceAdvisory

Under whose authorityInstitutional policy

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Public sector bodiesNational governmentState or provincial government

Public sector officials, policy makers, and project teams developing, procuring, or deploying AI systems within Australian governments.

Sectors

Public administration · government

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers principles, governance structures, data governance, risk-based management, and procurement practices for artificial intelligence systems implemented by Australian governments. It maps out detailed practical guidance across eight distinct AI ethics principles, alongside a review of complementary domestic and international initiatives.

What's missing

The framework does not prescribe rigid technical requirements or hard statutory enforcement mechanisms, leaving specific policies and operational thresholds to individual jurisdictions.

Key takeaways

The framework provides a nationally consistent approach to AI assurance across Australian, state, and territory governments.
It is based on Australia's eight AI Ethics Principles to ensure ethical, safe, and responsible AI use.
Core assurance elements include robust governance, data governance, risk-based assessment across lifecycles, and alignment with standards.
Procurement practices must account for new risks, data transparency, performance testing, and vendor accountability.
Human oversight and accountability remain essential for all AI-influenced government decision-making and service delivery.

Principles it states

Human, societal and environmental wellbeingHuman-centred valuesFairnessPrivacy protection and securityReliability and safetyTransparency and explainabilityContestabilityAccountability

Outline

· Statement from Data and Digital Ministers
· Introduction
· Cornerstones of assurance
· Implementing Australia’s AI Ethics Principles in government
  - 1. Human, societal and environmental wellbeing
  - 2. Human-centred values
  - 3. Fairness
  - 4. Privacy protection and security
  - 5. Reliability and safety
  - 6. Transparency and explainability
  - 7. Contestability
  - 8. Accountability
· Resources

Issued21 June 2024

Length6,800 words · 34 pages

FormatNot recorded

Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

Those responsible for the different phases of the AI system lifecycle should be identifiable and accountable for the outcomes of the AI systems

8. Accountability

screening score · 2026-10-25

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

AI systems should be inclusive and accessible, and should not involve or result in unfair discrimination against individuals, communities or groups.

3. Fairness

screening score · 2026-10-25

Human Dignity

4/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

AI systems should respect human rights, diversity and the autonomy of individuals.

2. Human-centred values

screening score · 2026-10-25

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Common across government guidance is focus on human oversight and human accountability for the use of content produced using generative AI

Cornerstones of assurance

screening score · 2026-10-25

Privacy

4/5

Protection of personal data and private life

AI systems should respect and uphold privacy rights of individuals and ensure the protection of data.

4. Privacy protection and security

screening score · 2026-10-25

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

There should be transparency and responsible disclosure so people can understand when they are being significantly impacted by AI

6. Transparency and explainability

screening score · 2026-10-25

Enforcement

1/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Assurance is an essential part of the broader governance of how governments use AI

Introduction

screening score · 2026-10-25

Impact Assessment

4/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Governments should assess the likely impacts of an AI use case on people, communities, societal and environmental wellbeing to determine if benefits outweigh risks and manage said impacts appropriately.

1. Human, societal and environmental wellbeing

screening score · 2026-10-25

Topics

ai_governance public_administration ethics risk_management procurement transparency