AI Policy overhauled with new Impact assessment tool and Procurement guidance
Three simultaneous DTA deliverables reshape APS AI governance obligations - agencies must comply with the updated Policy by 15 December 2025.
Key points
- DTA has released an updated AI policy, a new AI Impact Assessment Tool, and new AI procurement guidance, effective 15 December 2025.
- The updated Policy mandates AI impact assessments for all 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.
Implications for Australian agencies
- Implement All non-corporate Commonwealth entities must ensure compliance with the updated Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government before its 15 December 2025 commencement date, including establishing internal use case registers with assigned accountable officers.
- Implement Agencies with active or planned AI use cases should apply the new AI Impact Assessment Tool as part of their governance processes, treating it as a mandatory complement to existing risk management frameworks.
- Consider Procurement and ICT teams planning AI-related acquisitions could assess whether current procurement processes align with the new Guidance on AI Procurement in Government and the accompanying checklist.
Implications are AI-generated. Starting points, not advice — see methodology for how they're framed.
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Weekly digest, 1 December 2025
"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 published three major AI governance deliverables aligned to 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 with supporting guidance, and new Guidance on AI Procurement in Government with an accompanying checklist. The updated Policy strengthens accountability by requiring each AI use case to have an assigned accountable officer recorded in an internal register, and mandates impact assessments for all use cases. The procurement guidance follows the Digital Sourcing Lifecycle and addresses AI-specific risks across planning, sourcing, and management stages. An AI Review Committee to advise on high-risk use cases across the APS is also in development, with further details expected in Q1 2026.
Implications for Australian agencies:
- [Implement] All non-corporate Commonwealth entities must ensure compliance with the updated Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government before its 15 December 2025 commencement date, including establishing internal use case registers with assigned accountable officers.
- [Implement] Agencies with active or planned AI use cases should apply the new AI Impact Assessment Tool as part of their governance processes, treating it as a mandatory complement to existing risk management frameworks.
- [Consider] Procurement and ICT teams planning AI-related acquisitions could assess whether current procurement processes align with the new Guidance on AI Procurement in Government and the accompanying checklist.
Retrieved from SIMS, 18 July 2026.