Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

# Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is dedicated to identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhancesupport securestaff businessin outcomes.their Wedelivery embraceof newoutcomes opportunitiesin while recognising the uncertaintiesnational and risks that come with technological changeinterest. This public transparency statement outlines DFAT’s approach to AI. Safe and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice where applicable. ## Our approach to AI DFAT uses both automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen our operations and deliver better outcomes. We follow the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles) of AI, in line with the [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). At DFAT, "AI" refers to applications of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Rule-based analytics and rule-based automation are managed separately and are not considered AI under this definition. Our people are central to the safe and effective use of AI at DFAT. We are committed to equipping our staff with the skills and knowledge needed to implement, maintain, and use AI responsibly. Comprehensive training ensures our workforce can confidently manage their use of AI, uphold ethical standards, and support secure business practices. By combining advanced technology with a skilled and informed workforce, DFAT aims to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the highest standards or safety, transparency, and accountability. Based on the classification system for AI in government, we are using AI in: - analytics for insights - workplace productivity - image processing. We are applying AI in the following domains: - service delivery - compliance and fraud detection - policy and legal - corporate and enabling. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance for AI, covering every stage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes ensure: - ensure AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly - continuously monitoring how AI performs - meetingmeet all legal and regulatory obligations - identifyingidentify risks and potential negative impacts - support taking action to reduce or prevent harm. Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT only uses AI in ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’). All staff using AI must complete training on the responsible use of AI before they are granted access. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel. Currently,DFAT thehas appointed a Chief InformationAI Officer isand responsiblean forAI ensuringAccountable DFATOfficer, compliesin accordance with whole-of-government AI policies and maintains the quality and integrity of departmentalgovernment datarequirements. This transparency statement will be updated as our approach evolves, and at least every twelve months. Update Date| Update Comment\ ---|---\ 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials\ 06 February 2025| - Transparency statement completion - Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government 3 December 2025| - Transparency statement update\ 3 June 2026| Transparency statement updated to reflect appointment of a Chief AI Officer

# Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is dedicated to identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance secure business outcomes. We embrace new opportunities while recognising the uncertainties and risks that come with technological change. This public transparency statement outlines DFAT’s approach to AI. Safe and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice where applicable. ## Our approach to AI DFAT uses both automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen our operations and deliver better outcomes. We follow the [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles) of AI, in line with the [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). At DFAT, "AI" refers to applications of machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Rule-based analytics and rule-based automation are managed separately and are not considered AI under this definition. Our people are central to the safe and effective use of AI at DFAT. We are committed to equipping our staff with the skills and knowledge needed to implement, maintain, and use AI responsibly. Comprehensive training ensures our workforce can confidently manage their use of AI, uphold ethical standards, and support secure business practices. By combining advanced technology with a skilled and informed workforce, DFAT aims to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the highest standards or safety, transparency, and accountability. Based on the classification system for AI in government, we are using AI in: *- analytics for insights *- workplace productivity *- image processing. We are applying AI in the following domains: *- service delivery *- compliance and fraud detection *- policy and legal *- corporate and enabling. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance for AI, covering every stage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes ensure: *- AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly *- continuously monitoring how AI performs *- meeting all legal and regulatory obligations *- identifying risks and potential negative impacts *- taking action to reduce or prevent harm. Each AI use case is assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT only uses AI in ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’). All staff must complete training on the responsible use of AI before they are granted access. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel. Currently, the Chief Information Officer is responsible for ensuring DFAT complies with whole-of-government AI policies and maintains the quality and integrity of departmental data. This transparency statement will be updated as our approach evolves, and at least every twelve months. Update Date| Update Comment \ ---|--- \ 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials \ 06 February 2025| *- Transparency statement completion *- Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government 3 December 2025| *- Transparency statement update

# Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is investigatingdedicated howto AIidentifying canand beadopting usedemerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance secure business outcomes. EmbracingWe embrace new opportunities, while acknowledgingrecognising the uncertainties and risks ofthat newcome technologies,with DFATtechnological haschange. adoptedThis thepublic Digitaltransparency Transformationstatement Agency'outlines DFAT’s (DTA)approach [Policyto forAI. Safe theand responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in government](https://wwwDFAT.digital We comply with relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and apply best practice where applicable.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). The## DTA'sOur Policyapproach forto theAI DFAT responsibleuses useboth ofautomation and artificial intelligence (AI) into governmentstrengthen establishesour mandatoryoperations requirementsand relatingdeliver tobetter identifyingoutcomes. We follow the [accountableOrganisation officialsfor Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition](https://wwwoecd.digital.gov.auai/policyen/ai/accountable-officialsprinciples) andof publiclyAI, publishingin DFAT'sline AIwith usesthe in [Policy for the responsible use of AI transparencyin statementsgovernment](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/transparency-statementspolicy). ThisAt statement explains how DFAT, is"AI" adheringrefers to policyapplications requirements. Safeof machine learning, securedeep learning, and responsiblegenerative useAI. ofRule-based AIanalytics isand arule-based guidingautomation principleare formanaged separately and are not considered AI useunder inthis DFATdefinition. ##Our Approachpeople are central to usingthe AI **Publicsafe access**.and Currently,effective theuse publicof areAI notat providedDFAT. accessWe toare anycommitted DFATto AIequipping toolsour orstaff with the abilityskills toand contributeknowledge needed to outputs. **Departmentalimplement, use**.maintain, DFAT'sand internal use of AI isresponsibly. basedComprehensive ontraining policyensures andour guidelinesworkforce developedcan byconfidently DTA,manage Departmenttheir use of IndustryAI, Scienceuphold andethical Resourcesstandards, CSIRO, and internationalsupport bestsecure practicebusiness practices. DFATBy iscombining partadvanced oftechnology thewith Wholea ofskilled Australianand Governmentinformed Copilotworkforce, trial. DFAT isaims reviewingto harness the usebenefits of AI acrosswhile servicemaintaining deliverythe highest standards or safety, scientifictransparency, and corporateaccountability. Based andon enablingthe domainsclassification forsystem relevant areas for insightsAI intoin automatinggovernment, processeswe andare identifyingusing efficiencies.AI in: All * staffanalytics arefor requiredinsights * toworkplace undertakeproductivity * trainingimage onprocessing. We theare appropriateapplying use of AI priorin tothe enablingfollowing theirdomains: * access.service Generaldelivery * queriescompliance orand concernsfraud aredetection * encouragedpolicy toand belegal * reportedcorporate throughand a dedicated internal channelenabling. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance for AI, policycovering andevery instructionsstage from initial idea to implementation. Our processes ensure: * AI is implemented and used safely and responsibly * continuously monitoring ofhow effectiveness of AI performs * meeting all legal and regulatory complianceobligations * identificationidentifying ofrisks anyand potential negative impacts of AI * measurestaking action to mitigatereduce potentialor harmprevent from AIharm. ThisEach transparencyAI statementuse willcase beis assigned an Accountable Use Case Owner to oversee its management. Risks are assessed before implementation and reviewed regularly, with governance processes updated as needed to remain effective. DFAT's approachonly touses AI changesin ways that protect security, privacy, transparency, and ethical use, always maintaining human oversight (‘Human-in-the-Loop’). ##All Accountablestaff officialsmust complete training on the responsible use of AI before they are granted access. Staff are encouraged to raise questions or report concerns through a dedicated internal channel. Currently, the Chief Information Officer is responsible for ensuring DFAT hascomplies identifiedwith relevantwhole-of-government personnelAI topolicies and maintains the quality and integrity of departmental data. This transparency statement will be accountableupdated foras DFATour approach evolves, and at least every twelve months. Update Date| Update Comment ---|--- 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials 06 February 2025| * Transparency statement completion * Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government 3 December 2025| * Transparency statement update

In this section ## [About us](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us) * [About the department](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/department/about-the-department) * [Grant outcomes](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/grant-opportunities/Pages/grant-outcomes) * [DFAT grants framework](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/grant-opportunities/Pages/dfat-grants-framework) * [Our locations](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locations/Pages/our-locations) * [Our people](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people) * [Our services](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-services) * [Publications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications) * [Corporate information and resources](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources) * [Logos and style guides](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/logos-and-style-guides) * [Public Interest Certificate](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/public-interest-certificate) * [Certifications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/certifications) * [Freedom of information](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/freedom-of-information) * [Privacy](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/privacy) * [Transparency](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/transparency) * [New departmental files](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/new-departmental-files) * [Portfolio budget statements](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/portfolio-budget-statements) * [Fraud and Corruption Control in DFAT](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/fraud-corruption-control) * [Regulatory functions](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/regulatory-functions) * [Audit and Risk Committee](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources/audit-and-risk-committee) * [Legal Services Expenditure](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/legal-services-expenditure) * [Subpoenas](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/Pages/subpoenas) * [Protocol Privacy Collection Statement](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/protocol-privacy-collection-statement) * [Senate Order on entity contracts](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/senate-order-on-entity-contracts) * [Executive Remuneration Reporting](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/Pages/executive-remuneration-reporting) * Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement * [Consular Privacy Collection Statement](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/consular-privacy-collection-statement) * [DFAT Employee Census](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/dfat-employee-census) * [Data Sharing Applications](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/corporate-information-and-resources/data-sharing-applications) * [Business opportunities](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/business-opportunities) * [Foreign representatives in Australia](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/foreign-embassies/foreign-embassies-and-consulates-in-australia) * [History of Australian diplomacy](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/history-of-australian-diplomacy/history-of-australian-diplomacy) * [About this website](https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/about-this-website/Pages/about-this-website) # Artificial Intelligence (AI) transparency statement DFAT is investigating how AI can be used to enhance secure business outcomes. Embracing opportunities, while acknowledging the uncertainties and risks of new technologies, DFAT has adopted the Digital Transformation Agency's (DTA) [Policy for the responsible use of AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). The DTA's Policy for the responsible use of AI in government establishes mandatory requirements relating to identifying [accountable officials](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/accountable-officials) and publicly publishing DFAT's AI uses in [AI transparency statements](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/transparency-statements). This statement explains how DFAT is adhering to policy requirements. Safe, secure, and responsible use of AI is a guiding principle for AI use in DFAT. ## Approach to using AI **Public access**. Currently, the public are not provided access to any DFAT AI tools or the ability to contribute to outputs. **Departmental use**. DFAT's internal use of AI is based on policy and guidelines developed by DTA, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, CSIRO, and international best practice. DFAT is part of the Whole of Australian Government Copilot trial. DFAT is reviewing the use of AI across service delivery, scientific, and corporate and enabling domains for relevant areas for insights into automating processes and identifying efficiencies. All staff are required to undertake training on the appropriate use of AI prior to enabling their access. General queries or concerns are encouraged to be reported through a dedicated internal channel. ## AI safety and governance DFAT has internal governance, policy and instructions to ensure: * AI is implemented safely and responsibly * monitoring of effectiveness of AI * legal and regulatory compliance * identification of any negative impacts of AI * measures to mitigate potential harm from AI. This transparency statement will be updated as DFAT's approach to AI changes. ## Accountable officials DFAT has identified relevant personnel to be accountable for DFAT. Update Date| Update Comment ---|--- 29 November 2024| Designation of Accountable Officials 06 February 2025| * Transparency statement completion * Align DFAT with the requirements of [_DTA's AI policy_](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy) (ver. 1.1), responsible use of AI in government