QUESTION Could the Minister please advise on the following: Is Home Affairs using artificial intelligence [AI] system/s to assess applications for visas, permanent residency or citizenship, and if so: please detail all systems in use including the architecture/technique and functional role of the AI systems in use, for example large language models and/or generative AI; and where is the data/information used by the AI systems stored, for example is that information held onshore or in servers overseas. Can Home Affairs advise what human oversight these systems have; and of these people, what are their qualifications and experience. How has Home Affairs informed applicants that their data, information or applications are being assessed by AI tools. How often does Home Affairs run quality assurance checks on the systems. Has Home Affairs coordinated with other departments on the deployment of AI; and if so, which ones. What checks and balances are in place to ensure the AI systems are operating fairly and effectively. ANSWER Senator Watt - The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has provided the following answer to the Senator's question: The Department does not currently use large language models or generative artificial intelligence (AI) to identify risk or make decisions in visa or citizenship programs. Visa and citizenship application processing currently uses supervised machine-learning analytics for risk prediction and caseload triage, alongside business rules that identify known risks in the caseload. Importantly, no AI system makes final administrative decisions or takes actions to refuse individuals without human review. Data, models and deployment systems are hosted either on premises or in secure, Australian server environments. Supervised machine-learning profiles are refreshed by staff to keep the models current. Visa applications that are identified as higher risk by predictive profiles or business rules are assessed by Visa Decision Makers who have completed the Visa and Citizenship Vocational Training Pathway. All staff must also complete the mandatory AI in Government Fundamentals training to ensure AI tools are used responsibly and securely. By leveraging scalable AI systems alongside human oversight, we allow staff to dedicate their attention to complex and mission-critical tasks. The Department uses AI systems in a safe, responsible and ethical manner to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain community trust. The Department's published AI Transparency Statement outlines how the Department uses AI safely and responsibly, in line with whole-of-government policy and oversight from our Accountable Official. It also outlines how we use AI to support our functions, manage risks, and strengthen governance, transparency and accountability as AI continues to evolve. This approach aligns with the Australian Public Service (APS) AI Plan and the National AI Plan. From 10 December 2026, new automated decision-making transparency obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) will commence, reinforcing the importance of strong governance, transparency and accountability in the Department's use of computer programs in decision-making. The Department monitors and manages AI-specific risks and potential harms, including risks relating to privacy, fairness, transparency and explainability, safety and security. These risks are managed through a combination of risk-proportionate assurance mechanisms and operation within secure technology environments, supporting the safe and lawful use of AI-enabled systems. Profiles built using supervised machine learning are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain current, relevant and effective for the visa program. The Department's Caseload Risk and Integrity Teams monitor the ongoing effectiveness of predictive profiles and visa decision outcomes, supporting continuous improvement and integrity assurance. The Department's approach aligns with whole-of-government strategic directions, including the APS AI Plan and the National AI Plan. Please see response to Question 4.