Page:Government Response – Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.pdf/22



The Government accepts this recommendation.

The Government agrees that ethical considerations and principles of administrative law must be taken into account in the design of automated decision-making processes and there should be proper oversight of these arrangements.

The Government will ensure there is appropriate oversight of the use of automation in service delivery. This includes oversight of technical aspects to identify potential bias and ensure the use of automated decision-making or artificial intelligence is ethical and in accordance with legislative protections. In implementing this recommendation, the Government will consider establishing a body, or expanding the functions of an existing body, with the power to monitor and audit automated decision-making processes.

The Government will examine existing regulatory frameworks that provide safeguards for artificial intelligence and automated decision-making to ensure a consistent legal, ethical and governance framework in which automation in government services can operate with appropriate safeguards.

The Government commits to ensuring new technologies are integrated in a safe and responsible manner. The Government's Data and Digital Government Strategy includes a Government commitment to empower departments and agencies to safely engage with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and ensure they remain transparent about how these technologies are used in the functioning of government and the delivery of government programs, payments and services. Governance of automated decision-making will also be further considered as part of current work to develop appropriate whole-of-government assurance and governance of artificial intelligence.