Author: Matthew Miller

Snapshot

• Federal AI supervision committee to be formed by mid-next year.
• Members will be chosen from the Australian Public Service.
• Government aspires to advocate responsible AI usage throughout public services.
• Each department to designate a chief AI officer by July next year.
• Committee’s focus will be on AI applications deemed high-risk.
• APS reform shaped by the David Thodey review.

Formation of AI Supervision Committee

The Australian government plans to set up a federal AI supervision committee by mid-next year. The Department of Finance will choose candidates from the Australian Public Service (APS) to guarantee a skilled and informed team. The Digital Transformation Agency is in the process of formulating the committee’s terms of reference, with additional information anticipated early next year.

Government’s AI Strategy

As part of a comprehensive AI strategy, the supervision committee seeks to bolster AI implementation across the government. Under this initiative, every public servant will gain secure access to generative AI, with each department mandated to appoint a chief AI officer by July next year.

Engagement with Private Sector

Although the APS will head the committee, the government has engaged in discussions with leading companies like Commonwealth Bank, Google, and Telstra to shape its approach. These consultations have yielded crucial insights regarding AI management within the government’s extensive workforce.

AI Acquisition and Security

The Department of Home Affairs is proactively revising procurement protocols to incorporate AI technologies. Recently, they organized a town hall meeting with over 80 AI vendors, including tech leaders such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, to elaborate on the Protective Security Policy Framework.

Link to APS Reform

This initiative aligns with the broader APS reform agenda, now in its third year, which seeks to tackle digital competency shortfalls and enhance public service effectiveness. The reform is directed by the Thodey review, highlighting the necessity for external collaborations and varied recruitment practices.

Predicted Results

The AI supervision committee is anticipated to be fully operational by late 2026, with complete maturity expected by early 2027. This initiative represents a vital step towards ensuring the responsible and efficient application of AI within the Australian government.

Overview

The Australian government is preparing to create a federal AI supervision committee, drawing participants from the APS. This strategic endeavor is aimed at responsibly incorporating AI throughout public services while guaranteeing strong oversight of high-risk applications. The initiative is part of a larger APS reform to improve digital capabilities and service delivery.

Q: What is the primary aim of the AI supervision committee?

A: The committee is designed to enhance oversight across the government and ensure a consistent, responsible approach to AI technology implementation within the APS.

Q: Who will constitute the AI supervision committee?

A: Members will be chosen from among the ranks of the Australian Public Service.

Q: When will the AI supervision committee commence operations?

A: The committee is projected to be fully functional by late 2026.

Q: What role will private sector companies have in this effort?

A: While APS representatives will lead the committee, the government has sought input from private sector companies regarding AI implementation.

Q: How does this effort relate to the APS Reform Agenda?

A: The AI supervision initiative is integrated into the APS reform focused on enhancing digital skills and public service efficiency, as informed by the Thodey review.

Q: What are the anticipated results of the APS reform?

A: The reform aims to bridge digital skill gaps, improve service delivery, and develop partnerships with external organizations for enhanced outcomes.

Overview

• NSW DPHI is initiating a significant digital overhaul to facilitate housing reforms.
• The transformation encompasses a two-year technology strategy aimed at advancing the NSW Planning Portal.
• AI is being deployed to automate fundamental tasks and aid in planning-related decision-making.
• Emerging technologies are designed to tackle inefficiencies in housing development procedures.
• This transformation is viewed as a continuous endeavor rather than a singular occasion.

Digital Shift at NSW DPHI

The New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is leading a digital shift to enhance housing availability in New South Wales. As part of this effort, the department is upgrading its digital frameworks and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, following a comprehensive reform of planning regulations, the most extensive in the last fifty years.

NSW DPHI’s Nerida Mooney, situated on the far right, at Pega Innovate.

Adjusting to Updated Planning Regulations

During her speech at Pega Innovate in Melbourne, Nerida Mooney, the executive director for digital and customer at DPHI, stressed the importance of aligning digital frameworks with the new planning regulations. This transformation includes a two-year feature set and technology plan designed to upgrade the NSW Planning Portal.

Utilizing AI for Enhanced Efficiency

The department is harnessing AI to automate mundane administrative responsibilities and optimize decision-making procedures. The significance of AI is especially evident in addressing the deficit of skilled planners by ensuring only applications that are fully prepared make their way to senior planners, thus maximizing resource efficiency.

Enhancing User Experience

To improve user experience, DPHI has adopted Pega Co-Browse within their customer service framework. This feature enables applicants to share their screens with agents, markedly cutting down the time required to address inquiries and boosting overall service effectiveness.

Commitment to Ongoing Change

DPHI is dedicated to approaching transformation as a perpetual process integrated into everyday functions. This mindset guarantees that innovation stays at the forefront, even while managing the limitations of public sector obligations and fiscal responsibility.

Conclusion

NSW DPHI is at the leading edge of digital transformation in the governmental realm, employing AI and advanced technologies to facilitate housing reforms. By concentrating on constant enhancement and efficiency, the department aspires to increase housing supply and enrich customer interactions in New South Wales.

Q:

What is the primary objective of DPHI’s digital transformation?

A:

The primary objective is to support housing reforms through the enhancement of digital systems and the integration of AI to streamline planning activities and boost housing supply in New South Wales.

Q:

In what ways is AI implemented in DPHI’s new framework?

A:

AI is utilized to automate repetitive tasks, aid in decision-making, and ensure that planners only receive fully-prepared submissions, thus improving efficiency and resource allocation.

Q:

What modifications have been introduced to enhance customer service?

A:

DPHI has launched Pega Co-Browse, which enables applicants to share their screens with agents, significantly shortening query resolution times and enriching customer service.

Q:

What is the significance of continuous transformation for DPHI?

A:

Continuous transformation ensures that the department stays innovative and efficient, adapting to new challenges while upholding public accountability and fiscal responsibility.