Guidance for AI AdoptionGuidance for AI AdoptionDate published:21 October 2025Download or shareDownloadable filesShare this pageDownloadsGuidance for AI Adoption: Foundations[pdf446 KB]Guidance for AI Adoption: Implementation practices[pdf830 KB]FacebookXLinkedInEmailTopicsScience, technology and innovationTechnologyPublisherNational Artificial Intelligence CentreIntroductionTheGuidance for AI Adoptionsets out 6 essential practices for responsible AI governance and adoption.We based this guidance on national and international ethics principles. By following this guidance, your organisation will:build trust with stakeholdersget the benefits of AI while managing the risksbuild public confidence in adopting AIset up a roadmap for navigating a complex governance landscape.There are 2 versions of the guidance:Foundations, for organisations getting started in adopting AIImplementation practices, for governance professionals and technical experts.Show transcriptTranscriptLee Hickin, Executive Director, National AI Centre speaking:AI is changing the way businesses operate – helping improve efficiency, enhance services, and unlock new opportunities.Realising the benefits of AI is important, but earning trust through responsible use is essential.Previously the government released the voluntary AI safety standard. We’ve continued to work with industry to review the guidance, and we’ve streamlined the 10 guardrails down to 6 key practices.The 6 key practices maintain alignment with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and international standards. To offer clear, actionable guidance for both technical teams and non-technical decision-makers.If you're just starting out, the foundational guidance provides the practical steps to help you align AI with your business goals, understand the role of governance, and manage risk.If you're scaling your AI adoption, the extended practices step you through detailed technical guidance to enhance your governance, improve oversight, and embed responsible AI across your systems, processes and decision-making.Adopting these practices helps you seize the opportunity of AI while building customer trust in how it’s used across your business.Visit the website to explore AI6 and take practical steps towards responsible AI adoption.Read the guidanceGuidance for AI Adoption: FoundationsEssential practices to get started in responsible AI governance.Guidance for AI Adoption: Implementation practicesComprehensive guidance for governance professionals and technical experts.Resources and downloadsAI screening toolUse this tool to help you decide the level of governance oversight each AI system or use case needs.AI policy guide and templateOrganisations who use AI should develop and maintain an AI policy. Use this template as a starting point for your organisation's policy.AI register templateUse this template to create a register of your organisation's AI tools and systems.Terms and definitionsRead a list of key definitions for the Guidance for AI Adoption.More about the guidanceOur approachWe've taken a human-centred and internationally consistent approach to writing this guidance.Mitigating risks and harmsHow following the guidance can help to mitigate AI-specific risks.The legal landscapeLaws that may apply to AI use cases.How we developed the guidanceThis guidance, published in October 2025, is the first update of the Voluntary AI Safety Standard.VAISS x Implementation practices crosswalkHow this guidance has integrated all Voluntary AI Safety Standard practices.AcknowledgementsNAIC would like to acknowledge the work of many people and organisations in developing the guidance.More informationLearn more about the National Artificial Intelligence Centre's workRead Australia's Artificial Intelligence Ethics FrameworkRead the Essential 8 cybersecurity guidelinesContact usNAIC@industry.gov.auConnect with usNAIC LinkedInSubscribe for updatesNAIC newsletter