TLDR: The Australian Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has released a new AI technical standard to ensure the responsible, transparent, and safe use of artificial intelligence across the public sector. This standard, effective July 30, 2025, complements existing guidance and aims to integrate ethical AI practices into government operations, covering the entire AI system lifecycle from design to decommissioning. Concurrently, the government launched GovAI to empower public servants with AI skills and hosted an AI Government Showcase to foster industry collaboration.
On July 30, 2025, the Australian Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) announced the release of a new AI technical standard, a significant step towards embedding responsible artificial intelligence practices within the Australian public sector. This standard is designed to guide government agencies in their use of AI, emphasizing core principles of transparency, accountability, and safety across all applications.
The new technical standard serves as a crucial addition to the DTA’s existing suite of AI guidance for the Australian Public Service (APS). Its primary objective is to support agencies in delivering high-quality services to the community by ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically and effectively. The standard applies comprehensively to various AI delivery models, including in-house systems, vendor solutions, pre-trained AI models, and managed services.
Lucy Poole, General Manager of Digital Strategy, Policy and Performance at the DTA, stated, “The DTA has strived to position Australia as a global leader in the safe and responsible adoption of AI, without stifling adoption.” She further elaborated, “We believe the comprehensive lifecycle approach we’ve taken, combined with the flexibility to go above and beyond, complements the broader suite of AI resources available to the APS.” The standard was developed through extensive research of international and domestic practices, alongside comprehensive consultation with the APS, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with agencies’ existing governance, risk, and delivery frameworks.
The standard outlines requirements and recommendations across three key phases of the AI system lifecycle: Discover, Operate, and Retire. These phases ensure that AI systems are ethical, effective, and compliant with regulations from their inception to their decommissioning. Agencies are encouraged to begin applying this technical standard immediately to guide their current and future AI system development and use.
In conjunction with the new standard, the Australian government also launched GovAI, a new platform aimed at empowering public servants to develop AI skills safely and ethically. Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher highlighted that GovAI will provide APS employees with a catalogue of AI tools, hands-on training, and a secure ‘sandbox’ environment for testing AI processes. “A safe and methodical adoption plan for the uptake of AI in the APS will mean better outcomes for public servants, for Australians who rely on everyday services, and for Australian companies doing business with the Commonwealth,” Senator Gallagher remarked.
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Furthermore, the DTA and the Department of Finance co-led an AI Government Showcase, offering Australian small and medium enterprises an opportunity to present their AI products and foster potential partnerships with the government on AI solutions. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the AI space while maintaining public trust.
