By Paul Hubbard, Co-Head of AI CoLab, Department of Finance
Engagement and partnerships: An APS that puts people and business at the centre of policy and services
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, presenting both opportunities and ethical challenges. Often, agencies and organisations approach AI in fragmented ways, further complicated by structures that hinder collaboration. Codesign with citizens and civil society is critical to ensure that AI is not just efficient but also human-centred and fair.
Collective impact through the AI CoLab initiative
To address this, the AI CoLab initiative, supported by the APS Capability Reinvestment fund, provides a framework for cross-sector collaboration and codesign. Under a collective impact governance model based on extensive ANZSOG research, participants spanning government agencies (including the Treasury), private enterprise (including the Nous Group, and IBM Australia), academia (including Deakin University), and civil society (including the Gradient Institute) can leverage and amplify their own AI efforts.
The AI CoLab provides shared physical spaces – including a node at the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) – as well as sandbox digital environments for rapid design and prototyping. It also provides informal workshops to showcase capabilities for existing tools and techniques (such as Microsoft Copilot Studio) or applications (such as the potential of generative AI for evaluation).
Practical AI for the public good
The AI CoLab has already achieved early successes demonstrating the potential of AI to tackle key challenges in data accessibility and comprehension. As part of GovHack 2024, the Treasury, Geoscience Australia and the Australian Public Service Commission sponsored two challenges. The challenges focused on using AI to make geospatial data in the Digital Atlas of Australia more accessible, and how AI can help translate bureaucratic jargon into plain language.
Insight Bridge, an AI-powered tool developed by CoLab founder Sam Bide, not only allows government policy analysts to cluster issues and summarize public submissions. It also enables public engagement with these submissions, enhancing transparency and participatory governance.
Looking ahead, AI CoLab will trial an innovative strategic foresight tool called RRR.ai by Dragonfly Thinking, in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (DISR). This tool is designed to provide strategic insights, helping policymakers anticipate and navigate future challenges.
Building an AI capable workforce
The APS Capability Reinvestment Fund also included funding for new e-learning solutions to raise awareness among APS officers about harnessing Generative AI for policy analysis and evaluation.
To maximise the impact and engagement of the e-learning solutions, the Australian Centre for Evaluation is first conducting a study on the most effective modes of e-learning engagement. They are seeking APS employees who would like to take part in the online study that will take less than 30 minutes.
Participation involves learning about a topic in evaluation, and then answering a 2-minute survey on the effectiveness of the training. If you would like to participate*, please log into APSLearn and you will be directed to the online training and survey.
* You will need a valid APSLearn account to participate in this study
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in this exciting journey of AI innovation and collaboration. Whether you are passionate about AI capability building, digital democracy, data accessibility, or strategic foresight – or if you want to develop your own skills and expand your own network with fellow AI innovators – the AI CoLab is your gateway to collaboration with impact.
By placing businesses and citizens at the heart of our AI initiatives, we ensure that our services are not only innovative but also inclusive and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. Together, we can create a future where AI serves everyone effectively and equitably.
To get involved and find out more, please contact the AI CoLab team.