Introduction
ACIAR’s commitment to the safe, ethical, responsible and legal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports our mission to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, for the benefit of developing countries and Australia, through international agricultural research partnerships. ACIAR uses the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of AI, as ‘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.’
Background
While AI offers numerous opportunities, it also introduces new risks that require careful management. This Statement outlines our approach to AI use within Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government 2.0, setting a framework for the Australian Government’s safe, responsible, adoption and use of AI. This policy applies to all ACIAR staff, contractors and service providers and also aligns with the Standard for AI transparency statements and Staff guidance on government use of public generative AI tools.
Our Approach to AI Adoption
Currently, ACIAR primarily employs Microsoft Copilot as its enterprise AI tool. It assists staff by drafting and summarising documents, analysing substantial volumes of text-based information, improving search capabilities and knowledge discovery, and supporting various administrative and corporate functions.
ACIAR’s current AI use falls into the following categories:
- Efficiency Through Automation: Copilot helps streamline repetitive tasks, such as meeting transcriptions, note-taking, and data organisation, increasing efficiency and productivity.
- Enhanced Productivity: Copilot assists with drafting, document structuring, and content summarisation, creating a more efficient and effective workflow.
- Collaboration: Copilot supports real-time teamwork, providing insights and suggestions that promote consistency and quality across projects.
We maintain a culture of responsible AI use through regular staff communications and ongoing training. AI systems used by ACIAR do not make automated decisions that directly affect the public, funding recipients or program beneficiaries.
Governance, Risk Management and Assurance
ACIAR uses DTA’s AI assurance framework to review the impact of AI use. In governing the use of AI, ACIAR also adheres to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's:
Privacy and Security
ACIAR complies with all applicable laws, including the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is minimised, anonymised, and protected with strong security measures. Security considerations in relation to the use of AI are consistent with relevant cyber security strategies, including Essential Eight strategies to mitigating cyber security incidents, the updated Protective Security Policy Framework, and relevant polices and legislations of impacted jurisdictions.
All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by ACIAR staff before being used in official documents, communications, or decisions. AI tools are used to support staff productivity and do not replace human judgement.
ACIAR staff remain responsible for all final decisions and advice.
Ethical and Legal Compliance
ACIAR’s AI practices reflect Australia’s eight AI Ethics Principles and adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct. Our commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability underpins all governance over the use of AI at ACIAR.
Contact
For more information on AI use at ACIAR, please contact us.
Review and updates
The first version of this Statement was published in March 2025, followed by an annual update published in March 2026. This Statement will be reviewed annually, or when there are significant changes to ACIAR’s use of AI technologies.
