AI in the Public Service: What the Government’s New Plan Means

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the way Australians work, and the public service is no exception. As AI tools become more common across government, the Federal Government has taken a major step toward formalising how the technology will be used. On Wednesday, it unveiled a new AI plan for the Australian Public Service (APS). The plan aims to harness the efficiency and innovation AI can offer while acknowledging its limitations and risks. It also signals a growing role for AI in government operations. Many agencies are now looking for ways to streamline administration and reduce pressure on staff, and the government sees AI as part of that solution.

What’s included in the plan?

Under the government’s new plan, Federal Bureaucrats will gain access to a ChatGPT-style artificial intelligence engine from 2026. This will be known as GOVAI Chat, a platform similar to ChatGPT but tailored for APS work. It will be trained on government data to ensure accuracy, privacy and compliance with public sector standards

Government data will also be allowed on public AI platforms under a new framework. The framework is designed to protect sensitive information and ensure clear rules for its use. Departments will be required to appoint a chief AI officer. Their role will include overseeing safe use, staff training and the integration of new tools.

The government also wants every public servant to have access to generative AI tools. Training will be rolled out to ensure staff understand how to use the technology effectively and responsibly. Federal Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said the APS can no longer ignore the significant impact AI is already having on day-to-day operations.

“If we’re serious about building a public service that is efficient, capable and responsive to the needs of Australians, then we must be in a position to take hold of the opportunities that AI presents.” she said.

Gallagher added that responsibility and safety sit at the core of the new plan.allagher added that the new plan has responsibility and safety at its core. She said the government wants AI to be used ethically, transparently and in ways that genuinely support public sector work. The government hopes the increased use of AI will improve efficiency, lift productivity and ultimately reduce operating costs.

Are there any concerns?

However, the increased adoption of AI in the public service is not without significant concern. Many APS employees said AI tools helped improve the quality and speed of their work. Others, though, remain uneasy about reliability and accuracy.

A six-month trial of Microsoft Copilot was conducted across government. It found that 60% of participants had to make moderate to significant changes to AI-generated work. The trial also highlighted concerns about AI’s unpredictability, inconsistent reasoning and lack of contextual understanding. These issues are particularly important in government settings, where accuracy and nuance are essential.

Following the Robodebt scandal, there is also strong community concern about automated decision-making. Many Australians remain wary of technology replacing human judgment in high-risk or sensitive areas.

AI is becoming a valuable tool in the public sector. However, relying on it too heavily—especially when preparing job applications—can come with risks. Public service agencies have made it clear that applications must reflect genuine capability, sound judgment and an understanding of APS values. Poor-quality or overly automated responses can easily undermine an otherwise strong application. For this reason, many candidates still prefer expert, human support to ensure their documents are accurate, targeted and aligned with government expectations.

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