QUESTION Could the Minister please advise on the following: What artificial intelligence [AI] system/s are being used to assess submissions from the public and organisations, and in relation to these: please detail all systems in use including the architecture/technique and functional role of the AI systems in use, for example large language models or generative AI; and where is this data/information stored, is it retained onshore or held in servers overseas. How has the Department informed Australian citizens that their submissions: are being assessed by AI; and may be stored/held overseas. If AI models are being used in the assessing of federal and regional arts grants, what checks are in place to ensure claims are being assessed appropriately, and; how were the models trained. Can the Department define what type of AI systems are in use (for example algorithmic systems or advanced automation). Do these systems have human oversight, and if so: how many people; and please detail their qualifications and experience. Does the Department coordinate with other relevant departments on the deployment of AI. How often does the Department run quality assurance checks on these systems. What checks and balances are in place to ensure that the AI assessment model/s employed by the Department's tools is operating fairly and effectively. ANSWER Senator the Hon Don Farrell - The Minister representing the Minister for the Arts has provided the following answer to the honourable Senator's question: 1. AI systems are not used to assess submissions from the public and organisations in the Department. 1a. Not applicable 1b. Not applicable 2. Not applicable 2a. Not applicable 2b. Not applicable 3. Not applicable 4. Microsoft 365 Copilot is available to all staff in the department, which provides generative AI (LLM-based) assistance to staff. Beyond this, the Department does not use algorithmic decision-making systems or advanced automation 5(a). Copilot outputs are subject to human oversight, with staff validating outputs for accuracy. There are no other AI systems in use (see answer to Q4). 5b. Staff complete training in the responsible use of AI before being granted access to the licenced version of Copilot. The department published an AI transparency statement to inform the public of our use of AI tools. There are no other AI systems in use (see answer to Q4). 6. Yes. We follow Whole-of-Government guidance where applicable such as DTA policy for responsible use of AI in Government. 7. Not applicable 8. Not applicable