Western Australian agencies have recently introduced an AI Assurance Framework to evaluate and manage the risks associated with their automated decision-making and artificial intelligence projects. The primary goal of this framework is to promote the safe and responsible use of AI by the WA public sector while fostering an environment that encourages innovation.
The framework serves as a guide for public servants, assisting them in complying with the WA AI policy by implementing risk mitigation strategies and establishing clear governance and accountability measures. It incorporates five ethics principles that organizations must adhere to when assessing their AI systems, projects, and data-driven tools.
To identify potential risks, internal assessments consider factors that could compromise fairness, explainability, and accuracy in decision-making processes. By employing a systematic approach, agencies can conduct their own assessments and effectively manage risks as necessary. During the second phase, the framework encourages agencies to pilot various risk mitigation controls, such as increasing human intervention in AI-assisted operations and validating AI models through additional tests.
The scope of the framework encompasses a wide range of technologies. It includes systems that generate predictive outputs, such as content, forecasts, recommendations, or decisions, without explicit programming. This encompasses both fully and partially automated decision-making systems, regardless of the advanced processes involved, such as random forest models or neural networks. Even rules-based automation systems and generic AI platforms developed or trained with agency-specific data must undergo risk assessment.
Notably, the WA AI Assurance Framework goes beyond the requirements of the comparable AI risk regime in New South Wales. While the NSW scheme has a narrower scope and is not retrospective, the WA framework instructs public servants to assess existing AI solutions and seek review from the WA AI Advisory Board if necessary. Furthermore, the WA scheme does not grant exemptions for systems based on widely available commercial applications or common tools like large language models.
The establishment of a nationwide framework for AI assurance, aligning with the Australian AI Ethics Principles and involving common assurance processes, was agreed upon by Data and Digital Ministers from various states and territories. With the exception of Tasmania and the Northern Territory, all ministers attended and signed a joint statement affirming their commitment to this initiative.
The NSW government, which launched the first AI Assurance Framework in Australia, is currently reviewing its framework. In contrast to NSW, the WA framework has the potential to prompt a greater number of assessments and external reviews due to its comprehensive approach.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the AI Assurance Framework in Western Australia?
The AI Assurance Framework aims to enable the safe and responsible use of AI by the WA public sector while creating an environment that encourages innovation.
What are the key elements of the framework?
The framework includes risk mitigation strategies, clear governance and accountability measures, and a systematic approach to assess AI systems, projects, and data-driven tools.
What technologies are covered by the framework?
The framework covers systems that generate predictive outputs without explicit programming, including both fully and partially automated decision-making systems.
How does the WA framework differ from the NSW AI risk regime?
The WA framework mandates assessments of existing AI solutions, has no exemption for widely available commercial applications, and has a broader scope compared to the NSW regime.
What is the status of the AI Assurance Framework at a national level?
Data and Digital Ministers from most states and territories, with the exception of Tasmania and the Northern Territory, have agreed to establish a nationwide framework for AI assurance that aligns with Australian AI Ethics Principles.
The introduction of the AI Assurance Framework in Western Australia reflects the growing importance of managing the risks associated with automated decision-making and artificial intelligence projects. The framework serves as a guide for public servants in the WA public sector, helping them to comply with the WA AI policy and implement risk mitigation strategies.
One of the key elements of the framework is the incorporation of five ethics principles that organizations must adhere to when assessing their AI systems. These principles emphasize the importance of fairness, explainability, and accuracy in decision-making processes, ensuring that AI is used in a responsible and accountable manner.
To identify potential risks, the framework encourages agencies to conduct internal assessments that consider various factors. These assessments aim to identify any issues that may compromise fairness, explainability, and accuracy. By employing a systematic approach, agencies can effectively manage risks and implement necessary risk mitigation controls.
The scope of the framework is comprehensive, covering a wide range of technologies. It includes systems that generate predictive outputs without explicit programming, encompassing both fully and partially automated decision-making systems. This includes advanced processes such as random forest models and neural networks, as well as rules-based automation systems and generic AI platforms trained with agency-specific data.
Compared to the AI risk regime in New South Wales, the WA AI Assurance Framework has a broader scope and is more comprehensive. It requires public servants to assess existing AI solutions and seek review from the WA AI Advisory Board if necessary. Additionally, the WA framework does not grant exemptions for systems based on widely available commercial applications or common tools like large language models.
At a national level, Data and Digital Ministers from most states and territories have agreed to establish a nationwide framework for AI assurance. This initiative aligns with the Australian AI Ethics Principles and involves common assurance processes. While Tasmania and the Northern Territory did not attend the meeting, the majority of ministers attended and signed a joint statement affirming their commitment to this initiative.
Overall, the introduction of the AI Assurance Framework in Western Australia represents a significant step towards ensuring the safe and responsible use of AI in the WA public sector. By implementing risk mitigation strategies and establishing clear governance and accountability measures, the framework promotes an environment that encourages innovation while minimizing potential risks.