TLDR: The Australian Federal Government has launched its ‘AI Plan for the Public Service 2025,’ mandating the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence across all government agencies. Key initiatives include appointing SES-level Chief AI Officers, establishing a central AI team, requiring AI-savvy contractors, and rolling out a secure internal AI chatbot and comprehensive training for all public servants to enhance productivity and service delivery.
The Australian Federal Government is set to revolutionize its public service operations with the introduction of a comprehensive ‘AI Plan for the Public Service 2025,’ aiming for the widespread integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels of government work. The initiative, announced by Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher during her Annual Statement of APS Reform at the Government Innovation Showcase in Canberra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, marks a new era for public service delivery in Australia.
Under this ambitious plan, every government agency will be required to appoint an SES-level (Senior Executive Service) Chief AI Officer by July of next year. These officers will be instrumental in guiding employees through the adoption of AI technologies and ensuring compliance with new regulations. A dedicated central AI team will also be established within the Finance Department to oversee and facilitate the strategic uptake of AI across the entire public service.
Furthermore, the government will mandate that all external contractors demonstrate AI proficiency to comply with new contractual rules. The plan emphasizes that AI will be utilized across all areas of government, with a significant rollout of its own internal AI chatbot, ‘GovAI Chat,’ accessible to every employee. Mandatory training in the use of this technology will be provided to all public servants, from new graduates to senior executives, fostering confidence and driving productivity.
Minister Gallagher highlighted the transformative potential, stating, ‘We will be making generative AI available to everyone – whether you’re a grad or SES, working in ICT or in a contact centre.’ She added that the initiative ‘will give every public servant the confidence to embrace AI, drive productivity, and ensure the APS leads on the economy-wide transformations that generative AI is driving.’
The ‘AI Plan for the Public Service 2025’ is structured around three core pillars: Trust, People, and Tools. The ‘Trust’ pillar focuses on establishing transparency, ethical guidelines, and robust governance frameworks. This includes updating the government’s policy for the responsible use of AI, requiring agencies to maintain internal registers of AI applications, and appointing accountable officers for each use case. A new AI Review Committee, comprising members from the public service and external regulators, will provide oversight for high-risk AI deployments.
The ‘Tools’ pillar addresses the digital infrastructure necessary for consistent and secure AI implementation. The ‘GovAI platform’ will serve as a centralized, Australian-based service for developing and hosting AI applications, offering model brokerage, shared training resources, and a library of approved use cases to prevent duplication and reduce costs. This platform aims to create a government-based ecosystem that avoids vendor lock-in, allowing the APS to adapt to emerging technologies.
Potential applications for AI programs within the government include drafting sensitive business plans and even Cabinet submissions. The plan also includes guidance for public servants on safely using public generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for unclassified information, with oversight from the Department of Home Affairs and the Digital Transformation Agency.
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This strategic move is expected to improve service delivery, enhance policy outcomes, and boost workforce productivity. As Minister Gallagher noted, ‘The days of 10-year strategic plans, a set and forget of policy development, are well and truly over. This plan will have to be regularly updated so it remains current and relevant.’ The government’s commitment is to ‘always put people first and ensure AI adoption doesn’t exacerbate inequality, bias, or unfair treatment.’
