AI Accountable Official

Question

When asked whether the NIAA had appointed an accountable official (AO), in line with the policy for the responsible use of AI in government, by the 30 November 2024 deadline, the agency responded: "No, the Agency appointed an accountable official on 10 December 2025". (see portfolio question number NIAA1771 of the 2025-26 Supplementary Budget Estimates) 1. Why did the agency not complete this mandatory element of the policy until more than a year after the deadline? 2. Why did the NIAA not explain this in response to the original question on notice, which sought an explanation for any such delay? 3. When did the NIAA learn that it was required to appoint an AO? 4. When did NIAA begin work to appoint an AO? 5. Has NIAA been in contact with the Digital Transformation Agency regarding its non-appointment of an AO? If so, provide all such communications.

Answer

Please see the attached answer.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• NIAA0077.pdf (opens in a new tab)