Patrick Gorman has spoken on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector. 

The recent IPAA ACT Express Summit saw participation from a range of ministers and public servants, highlighting the urgent need for the public sector to enhance its AI capabilities.

Assistant Minister for the Public Service Patrick Gorman says integrating AI in the public sector has become a necessity. 

“I know that the public sector needs to uplift our skill in Artificial Intelligence. There is no other option,” the minister stated. 

The influx of AI-generated reports and communications in government operations, such as letters from constituents composed by ChatGPT and Google Gemini, shows the growing influence of AI in public discourse and governance.

The minister acknowledged that while AI brings numerous benefits, it also presents significant legislative challenges. 

“We are seeing artificial intelligence change our communities. It is helping, and challenging, small businesses. And the legislative challenges we will face require careful thinking,” Gorman said. 

He believes the integration of AI into government operations could streamline routine tasks, allowing public servants to focus on delivering more effective services and policies.

Australia was one of the first governments to adopt an Ethical AI Framework in 2019, setting a precedent for responsible AI use. 

Following the release of ChatGPT, consultations began on establishing mandatory guidelines. 

“Australia led the charge,” Gorman says.

Other countries are also taking steps to regulate AI. In the United States, President Joe Biden issued an executive order in late 2023 to ensure safe AI development. 

The United Kingdom published a white paper on AI regulation and hosted the first international AI Safety Summit. Singapore's National AI Strategy includes innovative projects like 'Project Pensieve' for dementia screening.

The Australian Government has committed funds to support safe AI adoption, with the AI Adopt Program providing small to medium-sized businesses access to expert advice on AI integration. 

Gorman says Australia needs to build an AI-ready workforce, with the APS Academy in a good position to help develop the necessary skills and capabilities.

He also noted the growing use of AI in the APS already. 

“At the Australian Bureau of Statistics, statisticians have utilised AI alongside their usual statisticians and analysts. 

“Helping to update the massive datasets of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations - for the first time since 2006.

“AI plays a key role in the Australian Signals Directorate’s Project REDSPICE Capability Project. 

“Going forward, ASD will focus on utilising the role of AI in intelligence and Cyber Capability. To make sure Australia is getting the best information in our intelligence monitoring.

“Currently, the Australian Government is conducting a 6-month trial of Co-pilot for Microsoft 365. 

“The Digital Transformation Agency, in partnership with the AI Taskforce, will evaluate the trial and advise government on its outcomes and potential next steps. 

“The trial will evaluate the Copilot for Microsoft 365 product as well as the use of generative AI tools.  As a requirement for participating in the trial, agencies will provide data and insights to the Digital Transformation Agency to inform the final evaluation report.

“This puts us at the leading edge, worldwide, of deploying generative AI tools across government.” 

Reflecting on past experiences, such as the Robodebt scandal, the minister stressed the importance of keeping humans at the centre of AI decision-making processes. 

“Our government is committed to putting people at the centre of the decisions we make in design, policy and technology,” he said.