Our approach
The Department of Justice has adopted a balanced approach to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), recognising both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.
Given the Department’s role in delivering justice services and the potential impact of its work on people’s rights, outcomes and trust in public institutions, we are committed to the responsible, transparent and cautious use of AI, supported by appropriate oversight and safeguards.
AI has the potential to improve productivity, enhance service delivery, strengthen decision making, improve access to information, and reduce administrative effort across justice and regulatory functions.
At the same time, AI introduces risks relating to privacy, security, accuracy, bias, transparency, legal compliance, and public trust, all of which must be carefully managed.
Governance and accountability
The department has assigned accountable officials to oversee implementation of the Tasmanian Government Policy for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence and to support responsible AI governance within the department.
Employees remain accountable for work produced using AI. AI-generated content must
always be reviewed, validated and approved before being relied upon for official purposes.
The department provides guidance, training and support to help employees use approved AI tools safely, responsibly and effectively.
Risk Appetite
Consistent with the Department's Risk Management Framework, AI initiatives will be assessed using a risk-based approach that considers both potential benefits and potential adverse impacts.
The Department applies governance, oversight and assurance arrangements that are proportionate to the nature, complexity and risk profile of each AI use case. AI initiatives are managed through the Department's established project and governance processes, ensuring appropriate risk assessment, accountability, assurance, oversight and decision-making throughout their lifecycle. This mature governance framework provides confidence that AI technologies are implemented responsibly, transparently and in alignment with organisational objectives, legislative obligations and community expectations.
The Department has a low tolerance for AI-related risks that may compromise legal compliance, privacy, cyber security, public trust, procedural fairness or the integrity of decision-making. Accordingly, AI use is restricted to approved tools that comply with mandated security,
privacy and governance requirements under Tasmanian Government cyber security and information protection frameworks, as well as the Australian AI Ethics Principles.
Conversely, the Department has a greater willingness to support low-risk AI applications that improve workforce productivity, information management, knowledge sharing and administrative efficiency, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.
AI adoption will be guided by a principle of responsible innovation, balancing opportunities for improvement with the Department's obligation to manage risk effectively and maintain public confidence.
Compliance
The Department of Justice’s use of AI is governed by the following:
- Tasmanian Government Policy for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
- Protective Security Policy Framework
- PersonalInformationProtectionAct 2004
- RighttoInformationAct2009
- ArchivesAct 1983
- Anti-DiscriminationAct1998
- Australia’sAIEthicsPrinciples
- DepartmentofJustice-HowtoUseArtificialIntelligenceSafelyInterimGuidelines
- other applicable legislation, policies, standards and government requirements.
AI systems that may affect the public
Department of Justice does not use AI systems to make decisions that determine a person's rights, entitlements, obligations or access to government services.
Where AI is used to support government services, policy development or administrative processes, appropriately authorised employees remain responsible for all outcomes and decisions. This is called “human in the loop”.
The department is committed to ensuring that people can understand when AI is being used in a significant way and that appropriate human oversight remains in place. The Department will maintain a public register of significant AI initiatives. The register will be released following approval of the Whole of Government AI Policy.
Last updated: 30 October 2026