Austrade's AI transparency statement

Introduction

Austrade is committed to transparency in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This statement outlines how we responsibly implement AI in line with government policy.

How Austrade defines AI

In Austrade we apply the OECD definition of AI in line with the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government developed by the Digital Transformation Agency.

The definition states:

“An AI system is a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.”

Austrade’s approach to AI adoption and use

Austrade is adopting AI to strengthen internal productivity, improve how we analyse data to support decision-making and modernise ways of working.

We use AI to support agency objectives and align with whole-of-government digital and AI policy, while endeavouring to ensure AI is implemented in a safe and transparent manner appropriate for the Australian Government.

Austrade is committed to demonstrating, encouraging and supporting the safe and responsible adoption of AI within the Australian Public Service.

How Austrade uses AI

Austrade is using AI for workplace productivity and analytics for insights. These complement service delivery and corporate enabling activities.  

Austrade participated in the Australian Government’s trials for Microsoft 365 Copilot. Austrade has since made Copilot available to all staff. 

As a prerequisite to using Copilot, Austrade staff are required to complete AI Foundations training on the responsible and ethical use of generative AI, regardless of their role. We also have a policy on the use of AI tools, which staff are required to confirm and acknowledge they are familiar with before accessing generative AI tools online. 

The policy and training empowers staff to:

• Be personally accountable for the use of AI outputs including the ability to explain and justify any advice or decisions based on those outputs.
• Review and verify all AI outputs in full including for potential biases and discrimination against any individual or group.
• Be transparent and disclose when AI is used in material for clients, partners or the public.
• Restrict the entry of sensitive or classified information, including sensitive client or personally identifiable information into publicly available AI tools. 

Austrade uses tools with AI features to support monitoring of publicly available digital channels and social media.

At this time, we are not using AI in any way that members of the public may directly interact with, or be significantly impacted by, without human review.

Classification of AI system use cases

Austrade is exploring the application of AI technologies across its operations. This includes research and testing of various AI tools to understand their potential in supporting strategic outcomes.

AI use cases are documented in an internal register to monitor their development and status. For AI applications that are being assessed, we use a structured approach to track progress and evaluate outcomes. 

Austrade currently uses AI in the following usage patterns and domains as defined by the Standard for AI Transparency Statements. Austrade is committed to complying with whole of government requirements applicable to AI.

Usage patterns:

• Workplace productivity
  • Austrade is strengthening workplace productivity and team collaboration with Copilot, a generative AI tool. Copilot automates repetitive tasks, summarises documents, generates draft emails and reports, and assists with data analysis. This enables staff to focus on more complex work and reduces time spent on manual processes.
• Analytics for insights
  • Austrade leverages tools with AI features to monitor public digital channels and social media, to quickly identify valuable information and automate reporting. These tools improve efficiency in gathering insights and support evidence-based decision-making.

Domains: 

• Corporate and Enabling
  • Supporting our corporate functions, including HR, finance, media and communications, and ICT, by automating processes, optimising resource allocation and improving operational efficiency
• Service delivery
  • AI supports staff in delivering trade and investment services to make their work more efficient. This enhances service quality and responsiveness to client needs.  

Monitoring and Governance

Accountable Officials

The Head of Digital Products and Platforms (HoDPP), is the designated Accountable Official (AO) for all AI matters, with oversight by the Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). They are responsible for Austrade's implementation of the whole-of-government Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government.

The AO is responsible for ensuring the following:

• AI is implemented safely and responsibly.
• AI is only used under human supervision.
• Deployed AI systems and outputs of AI models are monitored for effectiveness.
• AI use complies with all relevant legislation and regulation regarding Privacy and AI.
• AI use cases are assessed for potential negative impacts.

Any proposed AI solutions must be reviewed and considered by Austrade’s AI Working Group and adhere to Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. For each AI tool, a security risk management plan and system authorisation is required prior to deployment. As AI technologies continue to evolve, Austrade will maintain and strengthen its governance processes, ensuring that all staff are trained to use AI safely, both now and for any future technologies.

Updates to this Statement

This transparency statement was last updated on 2 June 2026. It will be updated when making a significant change to the agency's approach to AI and when any new factor materially impacts the existing statement's accuracy and at least every twelve months.

Update publication date	Description
18/02/2025	AI Transparency Statement approved and published
02/06/2026	Updated to reflect Austrade’s current state on AI adoption Brings Austrade up to date with DTA’s Standard for AI transparency statements 2.0

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