Australia Partners with Microsoft to Explore Generative AI in the Public Service

Prime Minister Albanese Announces Generative AI Trial in Australian Public Service

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella in San Francisco to discuss the safe and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the Australian public service.

The Australian Government will conduct a six-month trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot, making it one of the first governments in the world to deploy a generative AI service.
The trial will allow Australian Public Service (APS) staff to test new ways to innovate and enhance productivity, with a view to delivering better government services.
Microsoft will provide digital training to help APS staff develop their AI skills and literacy.

The six-month trial will run from January to June 2024.
Microsoft will provide training, onboarding, and implementation assistance with participating agencies.
The trial aims to position Australia as a leader in adopting AI that increases productivity.
Following the trial, the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) will evaluate the experience and report to the Government.

The trial will be rolled out consistent with the AI Taskforce guidance for the public service on the use of generative AI.

Prime Minister Albanese recently announced Microsoft's $5 billion investment in Australia, which includes:
- A $5 billion investment to expand its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next two years.
- The opening of a new Microsoft Data Centre Academy in partnership with TAFE NSW.
- A commitment to train an additional 300,000 Australians through Microsoft's global skills program.
- Collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on Microsoft-ASD Cyber Shield to improve joint capability to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

The Australian Government is committed to leadership in the safe, ethical, and responsible use of technology and data.
The Government is fostering an innovative culture in the public service and demonstrating high standards in transparency, risk management, and governance of all emerging technologies.

The DTA has also recently released a Request for Information on services and support for generative AI.
This RFI aims to gather information on generative AI solutions that could serve individual government organizations and government as a whole.

Prime Minister Albanese: "By strengthening our partnership with Microsoft, we are charting a course for the future of public service – one where generative AI is used responsibly to enhance the work of the APS in delivering for Australians without compromising on safety."
Minister for Finance: "AI is emerging as a widely used technology and presents many opportunities for government and the way it delivers crucial services to the Australian community, but we must adopt it in a safe and controlled way. This exciting pilot will support the government's APS reform agenda by identifying how we can safely use this technology to improve our work and service delivery but do so in a way that is controlled and allows us to learn the lessons with minimal impact on existing processes and services."