Australia Explores AI for Cabinet Submissions Amid Security ConcernsPublished:

The Australian government is considering using artificial intelligence to draft sensitive cabinet submissions and business cases, as part of a wider initiative to embed AI across the public service. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the plan while unveiling a government-built AI platform for public servants, highlighting potential productivity gains from tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.

Gallagher said AI could help staff save time by summarising information, drafting first versions of documents, and enhancing workflow efficiency. A six-month trial of Microsoft Copilot found that 69% of participants felt AI helped them work faster, and 61% reported improvements in output quality. Executives noted up to an hour saved daily in routine tasks.

However, the report also flagged major risks. Sixty percent of participants reported significant errors in AI-generated work, requiring manual correction. Security concerns arose as Copilot occasionally accessed sensitive documents without proper authorization. The report warned that without robust data governance, AI use could exacerbate security and privacy breaches.

The government plans to launch GovAI Chat in early 2026, alongside guidance for using public AI platforms safely for official work. Suggestions from trial participants include applying AI to assess documents, draft public content, and support cabinet submissions.

Gallagher acknowledged concerns over job displacement, stressing that AI adoption is intended to augment, not replace, public servants. The Community and Public Sector Union will continue consultations to address workforce implications.

Microsoft’s public sector general manager, Vivek Puthucode, welcomed the plan, noting that AI could enhance service delivery, policy development, and responsiveness to community needs.