The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) recognises the potential opportunities of using AI to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of generations of Australians.
In this statement, we describe: (Shared with 3 other agencies)
- our commitment to adopting and using AI responsibly
- the role of our accountable officials (Template language)
- how we ensure quality and safety. (Shared with 1 other agency)
We use the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) definition of AI:
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.
MDBA modelling systems that follow pre-defined instructions entered by a person aren’t included in this definition.
We’re committed to the responsible, safe, and transparent use of AI according to legislative and regulatory requirements. This includes the policy for the responsible use of AI in government and Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. As part of this commitment, we use the AI impact assessment tool to identify, assess, and manage AI use case impacts and risks against Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. (Template language)
Consistent with the Government’s commitment to digital innovation by adopting emerging technologies, we’re trialing AI to explore how it can help achieve our purpose - Rivers, for generations.
We use a small number of AI tools and functions to improve efficiencies and augment processes. Currently, our approved AI use cases are within the:
- Policy, corporate and enabling domains; and
- Workplace productivity and Analytics for insights usage patterns, (Shared with 1 other agency)
We do not use AI in any instance where the public directly interacts with or feels a significant impact from AI without a human agent. (Shared with 1 other agency)
Staff review all AI tool outputs and treat them as drafts or starting points for further research, not for decision-making. (Shared with 1 other agency)
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) are the accountable officials for the MDBA. They’re responsible for our AI strategy, risk management, and compliance as set out in the policy for the responsible use of AI in government. (Template language)
AI governance includes the processes, standards and guardrails that help ensure AI systems and tools are safe and used ethically. We manage AI initiatives within our technology governance and risk management practices including maintaining a register for AI systems. Before using AI technology, MDBA system owners must apply the Pilot Australian Government AI assurance framework and designate a senior responsible official. The senior responsible official and accountable officials will: (Template language)
- ensure AI is implemented safely and responsibly
- monitor the effectiveness of the system
- ensure legal and regulatory compliance
- identify potential negative impacts in using AI
- implement measures to mitigate risks.
Senior responsible officials and accountable officials report to the MDBA Executive Board. (Template language)
For more information or enquiries about our adoption of AI, please contact us.
Statement text © Murray Darling Basin Authority, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).