NSW Artificial Intelligence Assurance Approach
The NSW Government has a comprehensive and structured approach to ensuring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) including AI governance and oversight, risk management and mitigation, ethics, capability and capacity building, and continuous improvement.
Assurance of AI is now embedded into the NSW Digital Assurance Framework. This means that any agency project with a budget exceeding $5 million, or any project funded by the Digital Restart Fund, will be guided through the process of ensuring compliance with the NSW mandate to use the AI Ethics Policy and the AI Assessment Framework (Circular DCS-2024-04).
For all other uses of AI, agencies must manage AI risk through use of the NSW AI Assessment Framework, a self-assessment tool aligned with the NSW AI Ethics Policy. This framework is designed to enable agencies to evaluate the risk associated with their AI solution and understand the required mitigations. The tool also supports agencies in determining when they need to present their solution to the NSW AI Review Committee for further review.
In collaboration with all NSW Government departments, Digital NSW is developing requirements that make it easier for teams to assess their compliance with the NSW AI assessment framework. By implementing these requirements, NSW will be better positioned to identify areas where further support is needed across the sector to strengthen assurance for the safe and responsible use of AI.
NSW AI Assessment Framework (AIAF)
Purpose
The NSW AIAF has been established to guide NSW Government agencies through the ethical development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Its primary aim is to ensure AI solutions are designed, built and operated with a strict adherence to the mandatory AI Ethics Principles outlined in NSW Circular DCS-2024-04. This involves a systematic process for identifying, documenting and mitigating AI-specific risks.
The Framework has an important role in promoting responsible AI use and ensuring community benefits, fairness, privacy and security, transparency and accountability are at the forefront of all AI initiatives within government operations.
What is it?
The NSW AIAF is a risk self-assessment framework for NSW Government agencies to ensure responsible design, development, deployment, procurement and use of AI technologies.
Who should use it?
The AIAF is mandatory for all NSW Government Agencies to use.
Designed for project and executive sponsors, technical leads and data governance leads, this framework is to be used across all phases of the AI solution lifecycle.
When it should be used?
When designing, developing, deploying, procuring or using systems containing AI components. The AIAF is to be used across all project stages and the solution lifecycle, emphasising continuous adherence to ethical principles. It calls for ongoing assessments from project inception to operations, highlighting the importance of understanding AI's limitations and risks, especially regarding data security and privacy.
To strengthen compliance, project leaders and solution owners are encouraged to use the Framework during the planning phase of AI implementation.
How to use it?
This AIAF is structured in sections that align to the AI Ethics Principles.
Each section contains questions for assessing specific risks and advises actions for mitigation. Complete the self-assessment and then implement the required mitigations. Some controls may require pausing or stopping the project until necessary information is confirmed.
At the conclusion of the self-assessment, you will confirm the highest residual risk rating for each of the five Ethics Principles. This rating will determine whether you need to submit your assessment to the AI Review Committee, proceed without changes, make changes, or halt the project.
Excel resource
We are excited to introduce the Excel version of the NSW AIAF – Excel (1.1MB), a valuable resource designed to assist agencies in how to manage AI risk. This tool includes all the content from the AIAF PowerPoint available on Digital.NSW, ensuring that you have easy access to the AIAF in a more usable format. The AIAF Excel is structured to mirror the order of the PowerPoint document, allowing for seamless navigation and reference.
If there are any issues with downloading or using the AIAF Excel please contact the AI Secretariat at AISecretariat@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
When to submit your project to the AI Review Body
Agencies are required to submit their completed AI self-assessment to the AI Review Committee if the residual risk remains high or greater following the application of all mitigation and controls.
To submit AI solutions for review please send your completed AI Self-assessment to
AlSecretariat@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
Relationship to NSW Government policies
This Framework refers to other NSW Government policies, legislation, and tools that provide context and information relevant to AI, including the NSW AI Strategy and AI Ethics Policy.
It is designed to enhance, not replace, agency-specific policies and standards, and ensures teams consult with subject matter experts for tailored guidance.
The Framework has been integrated into the NSW Digital Assurance Framework (PDF, 5.13 MB) to ensure a comprehensive approach to compliance with AI ethical principles.
Maintaining this Framework
The NSW AIAF – PowerPoint (2.47MB) is a living document and will undergo regular updates to incorporate advancements in AI, enhance risk understanding, adapt to evolving standards and accommodate the increasing maturity of AI within the NSW Government.