AI Policy Update: Strengthening responsible use across government
This is a direct compliance update for non-corporate Commonwealth entities — agencies must understand new obligations and begin implementing governance structures now.
Key points
- DTA's updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government took effect 15 December 2025, with new mandatory requirements.
- Agencies must now maintain an internal AI use case register, assign accountable owners, and complete AI impact assessments before deployment.
- Mandatory foundational AI training for all APS staff is introduced; first new requirement begins 15 June 2026.
Summary
The DTA has released an updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, effective 15 December 2025, applying to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Key additions include mandatory foundational AI training for all APS staff, a requirement to maintain an internal register of in-scope AI use cases with assigned accountable owners, and pre-deployment AI impact assessments covering fairness, safety, privacy, transparency, security, and human-centred values. A new AI impact assessment tool supports compliance. The first mandatory requirement commences 15 June 2026, with remaining requirements taking effect December 2026, providing a phased implementation runway for agencies.
Implications for Australian agencies
- Implement Agencies could establish or update internal AI use case registers, assign accountable owners, and integrate pre-deployment AI impact assessments into their governance processes ahead of the June 2026 deadline.
- Implement HR, learning and development, and AI governance teams could plan and roll out mandatory foundational AI training for all staff in line with the December 2026 compliance timeline.
- Consider Agencies may want to assess current AI incident reporting pathways and staff-facing AI safety concern mechanisms against the new minimum practice requirements to identify gaps.
Implications are AI-generated. Starting points, not advice.
"AI Policy Update: Strengthening responsible use across government" Source: DTA – Media Releases Published: 11 January 2026 URL: https://www.dta.gov.au/articles/ai-policy-update-strengthening-responsible-use-across-government The DTA has released an updated Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, effective 15 December 2025, applying to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Key additions include mandatory foundational AI training for all APS staff, a requirement to maintain an internal register of in-scope AI use cases with assigned accountable owners, and pre-deployment AI impact assessments covering fairness, safety, privacy, transparency, security, and human-centred values. A new AI impact assessment tool supports compliance. The first mandatory requirement commences 15 June 2026, with remaining requirements taking effect December 2026, providing a phased implementation runway for agencies. Implications for Australian agencies: - [Implement] Agencies could establish or update internal AI use case registers, assign accountable owners, and integrate pre-deployment AI impact assessments into their governance processes ahead of the June 2026 deadline. - [Implement] HR, learning and development, and AI governance teams could plan and roll out mandatory foundational AI training for all staff in line with the December 2026 compliance timeline. - [Consider] Agencies may want to assess current AI incident reporting pathways and staff-facing AI safety concern mechanisms against the new minimum practice requirements to identify gaps. Retrieved from SIMS, 18 May 2026.