Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

# Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Statement ## Introduction ACIAR’s commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports our mission to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, for the benefit of developing countries and Australia, through international agricultural research partnerships. ACIAR uses the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/explanatory-memorandum-on-the-updated-oecd-definition-of-an-ai-system_623da898-en.html) of AI, as ‘a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.’ ## Background While AI offers numerous opportunities, it also introduces new risks that require careful management. This Statement outlines our approach to AI use within Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy/accountability), setting a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI. This policy applies to all ACIAR staff, contractors and service providers and also aligns with the [Standard for AI transparency statements](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-08/Standard%20for%20AI%20transparency%20statements%20v1.1.pdf) and [Staff guidance on government use of public generative AI tools](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/staff-guidance-public-generative-ai). ## Our Approach to AI Adoption Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft Copilot as its enterprise AI tool. It assists staff by drafting and summarising documents, analysing substantial volumes of text-based information, improving search capabilities and knowledge discovery, and supporting various administrative and corporate functions. ACIAR’s current AI use falls into the following categories: *- **Efficiency Through Automation** : Copilot helps streamline repetitive tasks, such as meeting transcriptions, note-taking, and data organisation, increasing efficiency and productivity. *- **Enhanced Productivity** : Copilot assists with drafting, document structuring, and content summarisation, creating a more efficient and effective workflow. *- **Collaboration** : Copilot supports real-time teamwork, providing insights and suggestions that promote consistency and quality across projects. We maintain a culture of responsible AI use through regular staff communications and ongoing training. AI systems used by ACIAR do not make automated decisions that directly affect the public, funding recipients or program beneficiaries. ## Governance, Risk Management and Assurance ACIAR uses DTA’s [AI assurance framework](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-framework) to review the impact of AI use. In governing the use of AI, ACIAR also adheres to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's: *- [Technical standard for government’s use of artificial intelligence](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/AI-technical-standard) *- [AI Impact Assessment Tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/impact-assessment-tool) *- [Guidance on AI procurement in government](https://www.buyict.gov.au/public/en/buyers?id=public_content_navigation&topic_id=09f5d0e81b762a50f421db96b04bcb94) *- [APS AI Plan 2025](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/australian-public-service-ai-plan-2025/what-we-plan-achieve) *- Other applicable internal policies and governance frameworks. ## Privacy and Security ACIAR complies with all applicable laws, including the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is minimised, anonymised, and protected with strong security measures. Security considerations in relation to the use of AI are consistent with relevant cyber security strategies, including [Essential Eight](https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/asds-cyber-security-frameworks/essential-eight) strategies to mitigating cyber security incidents, the updated [Protective Security Policy Framework](https://www.protectivesecurity.gov.au/), and relevant polices and legislations of impacted jurisdictions. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by ACIAR staff before being used in official documents, communications, or decisions. AI tools are used to support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement. ACIAR staff remain responsible for all final decisions and advice. ## Ethical and Legal Compliance ACIAR’s AI practices reflect Australia’s eight AI Ethics Principles and adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct. Our commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability underpins all governance over the use of AI at ACIAR. ## Contact For more information on AI use at ACIAR, please [contact us](https://www.aciar.gov.au/form/contact-us?__cf_chl_tk=rtzp3EzVzOGvTQJ1zurnQ9WboFZpeMff0A4ij.IwtdI-1773285403-1.0.1.1-ZxD_d3yobBDllExQ2f1MSpNu01dtBlJN6V9z9R.iWrE). ## Review and updates The first version of this Statement was published in March 2025, followed by an annual update published in March 2026. This Statement will be reviewed annually, or when there are significant changes to ACIAR’s use of AI technologies. [ ACIAR Statement on the Responsible Use of AI 367.3 KB \- pdf ](https://www.aciar.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-03/ACIAR-Statement-on-the-Responsible-Use-of-AI.pdf) [Accountability](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Accountability"%22Accountability%22) [AI](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="AI"%22AI%22) \[Artificial Intelligence\](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Artificial Intelligence") [Governance](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Governance"%22Governance%22) [Responsibility](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Responsibility"%22Responsibility%22) [Transparency](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Transparency"%22Transparency%22)

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All ByAI-generated implementingoutputs theseare measures,reviewed weby canACIAR fosterstaff trustbefore andbeing integrityused in AIofficial applicationsdocuments, ensuringcommunications, theyor deliverdecisions. accurate,AI reliabletools are used to support staff productivity and fairdo outcomesnot replace human judgement. ACIAR acknowledgesstaff theremain rapidresponsible evolutionfor ofall final decisions and advice. ## Ethical and Legal Compliance ACIAR’s AI technologypractices reflect Australia’s eight AI Ethics Principles and commitsadhere to continuousall monitoringrelevant tolaws ensureand thatregulations, policiesincluding the Public Governance, toolsPerformance and theirAccountability usageAct remain2013 current.and Internalthe governanceAustralian mechanismsPublic willService beCode employedof Conduct. Our commitment to overseefairness, thesetransparency developmentsand accountability underpins all governance over the use of AI at ACIAR. ## ComplianceContact WeFor willmore information on AI use theat DTA’sACIAR, please [AIcontact assurance frameworkus](https://www.digitalaciar.gov.au/policyform/ai/pilotcontact-aius?__cf_chl_tk=rtzp3EzVzOGvTQJ1zurnQ9WboFZpeMff0A4ij.IwtdI-assurance1773285403-framework1.0.1.1-ZxD_d3yobBDllExQ2f1MSpNu01dtBlJN6V9z9R.iWrE). ## toReview reviewand theupdates The impactfirst version of AIthis onStatement ACIAR’swas strategicpublished footprint.in ACIARMarch will2025, alsofollowed adhereby toan anyannual relevantupdate legislationpublished andin regulationsMarch governing2026. AIThis acrossStatement Commonwealthwill agenciesbe reviewed annually, suchor aswhen thethere DTA'sare [policysignificant forchanges responsibleto AIACIAR’s inuse government](https://wwwof AI technologies.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). [ ACIAR Statement on the Responsible Use of AI.pdf 723367.393 KB \- pdf ](https://www.aciar.gov.au/sites/default/files/20252026-0403/ACIAR%20Statement%20on%20the%20Responsible%20Use%20of%20AI-Statement-on-the-Responsible-Use-of-AI.pdf) [Accountability](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Accountability") [AI](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="AI") [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Artificial Intelligence") [Governance](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Governance") [Responsibility](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Responsibility") [Transparency](https://www.aciar.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext="Transparency")