Source of Law / Policy · National Framework stream
National Framework for Assurance of AI in Gov
Owner: Dept of Finance · Framework
STAGEDUpdated 20 Nov 2025
Agreed by Data and Digital Ministers on 21 June 2024, the National Framework provides a joint approach to safe and responsible AI across all three tiers of Australian government. It maps to Australia's eight AI Ethics Principles and translates them into baseline assurance practices.
Key obligations
- Adopt a risk-based AI governance regime aligned with the eight AI Ethics Principles.
- Maintain an AI use-case register and assign accountable owners.
- Apply assurance practices proportionate to risk: impact assessments, testing, monitoring, incident reporting.
- Embed transparency and contestability — publish what AI is in use and how decisions can be challenged.
- Coordinate with cross-jurisdictional reporting and lessons-learned channels.
Key dates
- 21 Jun 2024Framework agreed by Data and Digital Ministers.
- 15 Jun 2026First mandatory requirements take effect.
- Dec 2026All remaining requirements in force across jurisdictions.
Who is affected
- Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies.
- Suppliers across all three tiers — expect aligned procurement requirements.
- Non-government bodies receiving public funding to deliver services may be drawn in via contract.