In an Australian first, new guidelines for agentic AI will help the NSW Government implement the autonomous technology in a safe and ethical way to solve complex problems and improve outcomes for the community.

To support the responsible use of this emerging technology within the NSW public sector, the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government announced the launch of the new guidelines at a conference on Artificial Intelligence at the University of Technology, Sydney. 

Unlike automation, where a set of rules enable technology to complete tasks within set guardrails, agentic AI can make decisions and plan action. While still relatively new, the technology is getting a foothold in the private sector, with some banks using the technology to identify fraud, and e-commerce sites using AI agents to assist merchants to write product descriptions and optimise digital store layouts.

The new AI agent usage and deployment guidance will help NSW agencies use the technology responsibly, including defining the need for human intervention, undertaking regular reviews of its output, and applying privacy and security controls.

Developed alongside chief AI architects, the guidance outlines key considerations to assist agencies in developing policies and assurance processes. It also includes checklists to help determine if an AI agent is needed, and what steps should be taken before piloting and deploying one.

NSW Government programs which use agentic AI must be evaluated against the AI Assessment Framework, which is being updated to include specific guidance on agentic AI. High-risk projects will require review by the AI Review Committee.

AI agents are still in the early stages of adoption, and the Department of Customer Service will continue to expand and refine its guidance as global standards evolve.

To read the AI agentic guide, visit: www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/artificial-intelligence/guide-to-using-ai-agents-nsw-government

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “Artificial intelligence will have a big impact on our lives for years to come and there are many opportunities for productivity. I believe as a government we have a responsibility to make sure it not only benefits people but that it is used responsibly and ethically.

“The agentic AI guide will help NSW Government agencies use this developing technology safely and effectively by providing checklists and guidelines they can consider as part of our broader AI guardrails including the AI Assessment Framework.

“It ensures that as a state, we stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced space and keep human oversight at the forefront of any decision-making technology.”

Acting Head of Digital NSW, Narelle Underwood said, “The newly formed Office for AI is hitting the ground running and is putting the safe and ethical use of AI at the centre of government decision making about its use.

“The Office is already providing advice to government on the responsible use of the evolving technology.

“The new AI agent guide and the updated AI Assessment Framework which is soon to be released will help ensure NSW continues to deploy this evolving technology responsibly.”