Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Government of Western Australia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy (the Policy) sets out the principles which underpin the WA Government’s approach to using AI responsibly. The Policy supports the public sector to explore and use Al solutions in a safe and ethical way. It encourages innovation while making sure risks are managed.
The Policy requires government entities to nominate an AI Accountable Officer - an executive with responsibility for overseeing how AI is used. The AI Accountable Officer ensures that their entity uses AI in alignment with the Policy and approves AI Assurance Framework self-assessments.
Artificial Intelligence Assurance Framework (Self-Assessment)
The WA Government AI Assurance Framework (self-assessment) supports entities to evaluate their AI project’s implications, risks and controls in a way that aligns with the principles set out in the Policy and the National Framework for the assurance of AI in government.
Entities must use the self-assessment for any system or project that is driven by AI or automated decision making. The self-assessment should be applied at all phases of the project, whether an AI system is procured, built or otherwise sourced or adapted.
The self-assessment must be completed by the lead of an AI project and submitted using the online form.
If an AI project meets one or more of the following criteria, entities must submit their completed self-assessment to the WA Government AI Advisory Board:
- Residual risk/s (after mitigations) are mid-range or higher; or
- Funding has been provided through the Digital Capability Fund; or
- Total cost exceeds $5 million.
How do I complete a self-assessment?
Show moreIf you are the lead for an AI project or implementing a new AI tool at your WA Government entity, you must complete and submit a self-assessment using the online form. The self-assessment will guide you through describing the project and its benefits, assessing any privacy, security, transparency, explainability and contestability risks, and outlining risk controls. Once completed, the online form then assigns an outcome, and the self-assessment is sent to your entity’s AI Accountable Officer for approval.
To assist with drafting, you can download and review a template of the self-assessment here.
What is an AI Accountable Officer?
Show moreThe Policy requires entities to nominate an AI Accountable Officer, an executive with responsibility for overseeing how AI is used. The AI Accountable Officer could have experience in information technology, information management, or data science and analytics. The AI Accountable Officer ensures that their entity’s use of AI aligns with the Policy and approves the AI self-assessments.
An AI Accountable Officer must be nominated through this form before COB 19 September 2025.
What happens after submitting a self-assessment?
Show moreOnce your self-assessment is submitted using the online form, you and your entity’s AI Accountable Officer will receive a PDF copy of your submission. For projects that are low risk, no further action is required. Medium and high risk projects progress to review by the AI Board. All users can return to the online form at a different stage of the project lifecycle to update and re-submit the form.
The process is shown in the diagram below:
What happens if my AI project meets one of the criteria for submission to the AI Advisory Board?
Show moreIf your AI project meets one of the criteria for submission to the AI Advisory Board, the Office of Digital Government will contact you about your self-assessment. You may be invited to provide the following documents related to your project, to assist in the AI Advisory board review:
- Detailed risk assessment
- High level solution architecture
- Functional and non-functional requirements of the AI system
- Business case
- Privacy Impact Assessment
- Other relevant documents, such as an outline of AI project governance structures, change management processes or staff training.
You can find the cut-off dates for submitting projects to each AI Advisory Board meeting here.
Do I need to pause my project while it is waiting for Board review?
Show moreYour project can continue while under AI Advisory Board review.
The AI Advisory Board reviews the project and provides recommendations for managing risks, as well as other important considerations. The advice of the AI Advisory Board is non-binding, but it is recommended that entities consider it fully to ensure responsible use of AI.
How will the recommendations of the Board be communicated to me?
Show moreA letter outlining the recommendations of the AI Advisory Board will be sent to your entity’s AI Accountable Officer and Chief Executive Officer. The AI Advisory Board may request updates as your project progresses.
Who do I go to if I have any further questions on the above?
Show moreIf you have any questions, please contact the AI Policy team at the Office of Digital Government (AI-DGov@dpc.wa.gov.au).
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