AI Policy overhauled with new Impact assessment tool and Procurement guidance
Three concurrent DTA deliverables reshape APS AI governance obligations — agencies must act before the 15 December policy commencement date.
Key points
- DTA releases updated AI policy, a new AI Impact Assessment Tool, and AI procurement guidance, effective 15 December 2025.
- Updated policy mandates impact assessments for all AI use cases and requires agencies to develop and communicate a strategic position on AI adoption.
- An AI Review Committee for high-risk use cases across the APS is being finalised, with terms of reference expected in Q1 2026.
Summary
The DTA has released three major AI governance deliverables under the APS AI Plan 2025: an updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government (effective 15 December 2025), a new AI Impact Assessment Tool, and procurement guidance covering the full Digital Sourcing Lifecycle. The updated policy strengthens accountability by requiring a designated accountable officer and internal register for each AI use case, and mandates impact assessments against Australia's AI Ethics Principles. The procurement guidance provides step-by-step advice across planning, sourcing, and management stages, complemented by a procurement checklist. An AI Review Committee to advise on high-risk use cases is also in development.
Implications for Australian agencies
- Implement Agencies could comply with the updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government from 15 December 2025, including assigning accountable officers, maintaining internal registers, and conducting impact assessments for AI use cases.
- Implement Agencies could adopt the new AI Impact Assessment Tool and procurement guidance for any current or planned AI use cases and procurements to meet updated policy requirements.
- Monitor AI governance and strategy teams may want to monitor DTA communications in Q1 2026 for the AI Review Committee terms of reference, which will affect handling of high-risk AI use cases.
Implications are AI-generated. Starting points, not advice.
"AI Policy overhauled with new Impact assessment tool and Procurement guidance" Source: DTA – Media Releases Published: 1 December 2025 URL: https://www.dta.gov.au/media-releases/ai-policy-overhauled-new-impact-assessment-tool-and-procurement-guidance The DTA has released three major AI governance deliverables under the APS AI Plan 2025: an updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government (effective 15 December 2025), a new AI Impact Assessment Tool, and procurement guidance covering the full Digital Sourcing Lifecycle. The updated policy strengthens accountability by requiring a designated accountable officer and internal register for each AI use case, and mandates impact assessments against Australia's AI Ethics Principles. The procurement guidance provides step-by-step advice across planning, sourcing, and management stages, complemented by a procurement checklist. An AI Review Committee to advise on high-risk use cases is also in development. Implications for Australian agencies: - [Implement] Agencies could comply with the updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government from 15 December 2025, including assigning accountable officers, maintaining internal registers, and conducting impact assessments for AI use cases. - [Implement] Agencies could adopt the new AI Impact Assessment Tool and procurement guidance for any current or planned AI use cases and procurements to meet updated policy requirements. - [Monitor] AI governance and strategy teams may want to monitor DTA communications in Q1 2026 for the AI Review Committee terms of reference, which will affect handling of high-risk AI use cases. Retrieved from SIMS, 18 May 2026.