The DTA is looking at ways to bring generative AI into government services. 

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) says it wants to examine technology solutions for a comprehensive government-wide application of generative AI. 

The DTA, serving as a digital advisory entity in the federal government, is also interested in cataloguing generative AI services that can be employed at individual agency levels.

In a recently published Request for Information (RFI), the DTA says it is not initiating a procurement but is seeking to understand “generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that could serve for individual government organisations or the Australian government as a whole”. 

The request is looking for information on ways in which the Australian government can adopt generative AI on a whole-of-government basis using commercial offerings.

The primary objective is to facilitate the Australian Public Service (APS) in harnessing AI technology opportunities while maintaining public trust. 

The DTA identifies three areas where generative AI could be applied in government services. 

These include enhancing citizen-facing services, such as chatbots or concierge services to aid users in navigating complex information and services. 

Generative AI could also assist agency staff in processing large volumes of submissions, consultation responses, and distilling complex information from various sources for analytics or business intelligence.

Furthermore, the agency sees potential in incorporating generative AI into core organisational and corporate functions. 

This could involve tailored learning and development experiences, streamlining approval processes, and maintaining human responsibilities and accountabilities.

This approach acknowledges the trend of enterprise vendors integrating generative AI capabilities into their products. 

For agencies already using such application suites, it could provide a more accessible entry point to generative AI, with the DTA aiming to create a central resource for these capabilities.

The iTnews State of IT 2023 report says states and territories are forging ahead with specific policy and usage guidance than has been seen at the federal level.