38379 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Economic Development

38379 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Economic Development: How, if at all, are the Minister's departments, if any, currently using AI, and what plans, if any, have been developed to manage the risks associated with AI?

Hon Melissa Lee: With regard to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, I am advised that MBIE is taking a cautious and measured approach to select and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that have proven their worth and are secure, safe, and accurate. In July 2023, the government released interim guidance on the use of Generative AI (sometimes shortened to “GenAI”, this refers to AI technology capable of producing content including text, images and audio) for the public service. The document, titled Interim Generative AI Guidance for the Public Service serves as MBIE’s policy on the use of GenAI technology. It supports agencies to balance the benefits and risks associated with GenAI, and to make more informed decisions about its use. I am also advised that MBIE currently prohibits the general use of GenAI tools inside MBIE's IT environment.