The public sector's use of artificial intelligence will come under the microscope with a new inquiry launched into the use of the technology across the APS.
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit will inquire into the use and governance of AI systems by public sector agencies.
Chair of the committee, MP Linda Burney, said the public sector was rapidly adopting AI, but there was a lack of adequate governance frameworks to oversee the use for the technology.
"The committee has decided that oversight is needed of the current and potential future impacts of this fast-developing technology in delivering outcomes for the Australian public," Ms Burney said.
The terms of reference for the committee take a broad approach to the technology, with the inquiry to cover the purposes of the technology, existing frameworks and if they are fit for purpose, whether the public service has the capability to adopt AI and if there are sovereign capability issues, as most AI tools are sourced from overseas.
The inquiry will join a crowded field of committees looking into AI across the Commonwealth government. A Senate committee on adopting AI is currently conducting hearings, while other committees frequently hear about the use of AI in the public sector and beyond.
The government has sought to provide a framework for the use of AI within the public sector, with the Digital Transformation Agency implementing a policy for the responsible use of AI use across the APS earlier this month.
This followed the trial of Microsoft's Copilot AI tool with 7500 public servants over the last six months.
These efforts have been contested, with concerns about the dominance of foreign AI firms, and sweetheart deals given to Microsoft.
However, the introduction of AI has also been welcomed by ministers, including assistant minister Andrew Leigh, who said AI could make the work of public servants more fun.
Trellis Data was one of a number of firms that had worked closely with the public service about introducing a local AI tool.
Head of Communications at Trellis Data Tim McLaren said the inquiry should look at technologies built for Australian audiences.
"We firmly believe that when it comes to AI, one size does not fit all, and it's crucial to consider the unique characteristics that define our communities and culture," Mr McLaren said.
"The government must carefully consider how generic and homogenous overseas large language models may influence and dilute our policy landscape and way of doing business."
Mr McLaren also said where and how Data was being used to inform AI models should be a topic of the inquiry.
"As we move forward with AI adoption, it's critical to understand where the data used to train and build these models is coming from and where it's being stored," he said.
"Ensuring data transparency is essential to building trust and confidence in AI systems."
Submissions to the inquiry are open until October 25.
