38425 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

38425 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Speaker of the House of Representatives: 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?

Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee: In my role as Speaker, I am not responsible for Minister’s departments however I have provided you with the following answers for which I have responsibility for: Artificial intelligence is not widely utilised within the Parliamentary Service and Office of the Clerk. Its current usage is confined to the Human Resources team, who are piloting Microsoft Copilot, while other teams are investigating potential applications of this technology to enhance productivity. To manage associated risks, the Parliamentary Service has developed guidelines for Members and staff. Additionally, the Service will consistently evaluate new AI technologies to ensure they incorporate adequate security and privacy measures. The Office of the Auditor-General published internal guidance on the use of AI in April 2023 that was in line with advice from the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) and Archives New Zealand, to address risks associated with using AI. AI tools that do not capture and retain the information provided are authorised for use a limited way. We will be considering the broader utility of AI in the future. The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is not currently using AI in its office work practices. The PCE will look to develop protocols if and when we make the conscious decision to use AI in its office work practices. A previous research contract commissioned by the PCE used machine learning to identify changes in urban greenspaces. The PCE also has a researcher investigating how large language models could be used to assist the Government in improving its reporting on environmental expenditure. The Chief Ombudsman does not currently use generative AI. However, the Chief Ombudsman believes it is responsible to explore its implications and possibilities for future use, and, in terms of his role to oversight public sector administration, to understand how it might be used across government. Scoping of the issues is currently underway. Consideration of security and confidentiality, together with an assessment of the benefits and risks of generative AI, will be crucial.