Australian AI Governance Frameworks

Mandatory policy for Commonwealth entities establishing requirements for AI Accountable Officials, transparency statements, and use case registers. Version 2.0 became effective 15 December 2025.

The APS AI Plan sets a whole-of-APS expectation for agencies to appoint senior executives as Chief AI Officers, with implementation targets to July 2026. This is framed as an organisational expectation rather than a statutory mandate.

Non-binding guidance on ethical AI use in government. Covers community benefit, fairness, privacy, transparency, and accountability.

Currently in development: This initiative is creating mandatory requirements for AI systems operating in high-risk environments. The guardrails will establish transparency obligations, accountability mechanisms, and human oversight requirements for AI deployments that pose significant risks. Being developed by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources with expected completion by 15 June 2026.

Mandatory 16-question assessment framework under Circular DCS-2024-04. Modernised framework launched January 2026. Includes risk-based assessment with escalation pathways for higher-risk outcomes.

Projects exceeding $5 million trigger Digital Assurance Framework pathways with additional oversight requirements.

Strategic framework for AI adoption across NSW government. Covers ethical principles, capability building, and responsible innovation.

Mandatory policy and assurance framework for WA government agencies. Supports AI Accountable Officers, self-assessments, and escalation for high-risk projects.

Projects exceeding $5 million trigger central review requirements through the AI Governance Toolkit pathway.

Western Australia's digital strategy includes guidance on emerging technologies including AI adoption in government services.

Mandated AI governance policy requiring governance arrangements based on ISO 38507 alignment. Applies to Queensland government agencies.

Framework for AI Risk Assessment (FAIRA) referenced as Queensland agency risk tool for AI governance.

Official Queensland Government guidance on generative AI use with appropriate controls and oversight for government agencies.

Binding generative AI guideline for Victorian Public Service with administrative guidelines for safe and responsible use. Endorsed September 2024, made November 2024.

One of Australia's strongest recordkeeping overlays for AI. Requires documentation of AI technologies and processes used, expects agencies to preserve capacity to answer questions about bias, privacy, security and intellectual property, and places responsibility on agencies for accuracy checks.

Victoria is developing an AI Assurance Framework. Agencies are being prepared for implementation once the framework is released.

Operative guideline for SA government agencies on use of LLM AI tools.

Australia's first state-level Office for AI, supporting the development of AI governance across South Australian government.

South Australia is building its AI governance stack with an inaugural strategy in development. Full framework is not yet settled at NSW-style maturity.

Version 1.4 approved by the Secretaries Board in September 2024. Aligns with the national framework and sets out seven recommendations spanning responsible deployment, risk-based assessment, agency policy development, shared vocabulary, capability building, procurement alignment, and whole-of-government collaboration. Tasmania does not yet have a formal AI assurance framework but may draw on NSW AIAF as detailed public guidance.

Tasmania is aligned to the national framework and able to draw on NSW AIAF as detailed public guidance for high-risk initiatives.

AI policy and assurance framework for ACT government ensuring adherence to the Human Rights Act 2004 for human rights considerations in AI decision-making.

Northern Territory has published AI training and guidance materials through NTG Central. No published territory-wide assurance framework or advisory board has been confirmed in public sources.

Digital Territory strategy addresses emerging technologies broadly. Focus on remote service delivery and community considerations.