Governance

AI Assurance Framework

WA Government methodology for safe AI use, guiding risk evaluation through self-assessment.

How the laws define this

Frameworks established by the Western Australian Government and the NSW Government agree on using a structured self-assessment process to guide entities in evaluating AI-specific risks, implications, and controls to ensure safe, reliable, and responsible AI use. Where they diverge is in operational detail, formal regulatory evolution, and lifecycle scope. The Western Australia AI Policy Framework broadly focuses on guiding entities through a systematic self-assessment of project risks and controls. By contrast, the New South Wales AI Assurance Framework explicitly applies to NSW Government agencies across the entire lifecycle, encompassing procurement, design, development, deployment, and use. The New South Wales instrument was initially mandated in March 2022 and later updated as the AI Assessment Framework, uniquely providing a structured set of questions and guidelines to analyse and document risks, execute mitigation strategies, and establish explicit governance and accountability measures for each project.

Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.

What it triggers

The Western Australia AI Policy Framework sets out a structured methodology for entities to evaluate implications, risks, and controls of AI projects through self-assessment.source
The New South Wales AI Assurance Framework sets out questions and guidelines for government agencies to analyse and document AI risks, implement mitigations, and establish governance.source

Definitions (2)

A structured methodology developed by the Western Australian Government to support the safe, secure, and reliable use of AI. It guides entities in evaluating the implications, risks, and controls of their AI projects through a systematic self-assessment process.

Western Australia AI Policy FrameworkDefinition 1 of 2

A self-assessment framework for NSW Government agencies to ensure responsible design, development, deployment, procurement, and use of AI technologies, initially mandated in March 2022 and later updated as the AI Assessment Framework. It provided a structured set of questions and guidelines to help project teams rigorously analyse and document AI-specific risks, implement mitigation strategies, and establish clear governance and accountability measures for their projects.

New South Wales AI Assurance FrameworkDefinition 2 of 2

Not to be confused with

ACT AI Assurance Framework

The ACT AI Assurance Framework is specific to the ACT Government, while these apply to Western Australia and New South Wales governments.

National framework for the assurance of artificial intelligence in government

The national framework applies across Australian governments for consistent AI assurance, unlike these state-specific frameworks for WA and NSW.

Questions and answers

What is the Western Australia AI Assurance Framework?

It is a structured methodology developed by the Western Australian Government to support the safe, secure, and reliable use of AI. It guides entities in evaluating the implications, risks, and controls of their AI projects through a systematic self-assessment process.

How does the NSW AI Assurance Framework work?

It provides a self-assessment tool with questions and guidelines for NSW agencies to assess responsible AI design, development, deployment, procurement, and use. It was introduced in March 2022 and updated in 2024.

Are these AI assurance frameworks mandatory?

Both are policies, not binding, directing public agencies to evaluate and mitigate AI risks. The WA framework is supervised by the Office of Digital Government. The NSW framework remains in force after updates.