AI in the APS: Trust, People and Tools – What the new AI era means for you
AI in the Australian Public Service has moved beyond experiments and pilots. With the APS AI Plan, the updated Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government, the AI Impact Assessment Tool and new procurement guidance, AI is now a core capability for service delivery – and it comes with clear rules for governance, risk and accountability.
Trust starts with governance and policy alignment. We help agencies align every AI use case with the APS AI Plan and the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government by completing AI Impact Assessments, designating accountable officers and maintaining clear registers of AI systems. Using Canberra Consulting’s Capability Adoption® model, we turn those requirements into day-to-day practice – with repeatable processes, transparent decision trails and evidence that stands up to internal audit, ANAO and parliamentary scrutiny.
People remain at the centre. AI is intended to unlock capability and improve workflows, not quietly remove headcount. Agencies will need to invest in AI literacy, data skills and ethical judgement, and work openly with staff and unions so change is understood, trusted and sustainable.
Tools come last, not first. The new guidance pushes agencies to focus on the problem, policy and data before picking platforms – asking whether data is good enough, safeguards are in place and systems are secure, explainable and auditable. Our partnership with Booka and Nuix can start you off with a curated and trusted underlying data set, from a position of truth. In the new AI era, success is not about the shiniest model, but about fit-for-purpose solutions built on strong governance, trusted data and capable people.
