NSW AI Assessment Framework
NSW AI assurance approach
The NSW Government takes a comprehensive and structured approach to the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). This approach includes governance and oversight, risk management and mitigation, ethics, capability building, and continuous improvement.
All NSW Government agencies must comply with the NSW AI Operational Policy and apply the AI Assessment Framework when required, under Department of Customer Service Circular DCS-2026-02. This applies to all AI use cases throughout their lifecycle, whether they form part of a formal project or not.
Agencies are responsible for ensuring appropriate governance and assurance oversight across the AI lifecycle. This includes registering an AI use case in the AI Assessment Framework (AIAF) Platform and when required, completing the AIAF to identify risks and define required mitigations. AI systems assessed as high or critical risk must be submitted to the AI Secretariat, who coordinates their review by the NSW AI Review Committee (AIRC).
Additional assurance is provided through the NSW Digital Assurance Framework (PDF, 1.11 MB) (DAF). Projects with a budget exceeding $5 million, or those funded through the Digital Restart Fund, receive additional central oversight to confirm AIAF compliance and alignment with NSW AI governance requirements.
NSW AI Assessment Framework (AIAF)
The AIAF Platform is mandatory from 30 September 2026
From this date, the AIAF Platform is the mandatory platform for registering and assessing AI use cases across the NSW Government.
All agencies are required to register their AI use cases on the platform and complete an AIAF assessment where the registration process determines one is required.
The AIAF is a risk self-assessment framework that supports NSW Government agencies to responsibly design, develop, deploy, procure and use of AI technologies.
The AIAF guides NSW Government agencies through the ethical development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Its primary purpose is to ensure AI solutions are designed, built and operated with a strict adherence to the mandatory NSW AI Operational Policy outlined in Circular DCS-2026-02 and Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. This involves a systematic process for identifying, documenting and mitigating AI-specific risks.
The AIAF has an important role in promoting responsible AI use and ensuring community benefits, fairness, privacy and security, transparency and accountability are at the forefront of all AI initiatives within government operations.
The AIAF Platform is used to register AI use cases and complete required assessments.
It is mandatory for all NSW Government agencies to register their AI use cases on the AIAF Platform and complete an assessment where the registration process determines that one is required.
The framework is designed for project and executive sponsors, technical leads and data governance leads. It is used across all phases of the AI solution lifecycle.
Agencies must use the AIAF when designing, developing, deploying, procuring or using systems that contain AI components.
AI use cases should be registered early in the lifecycle and reassessed when there are significant changes to their features, datasets, purpose or decision-making contexts. Assessment should continue from initial planning through to operation.
Use the AIAF Platform
From 30 September 2026, agencies must use the AIAF Platform for all new AI use case registrations and assessments.
The platform creates a consistent and auditable record of AI use across the NSW government. It will guide users through the assurance activities required for each use case.
How to use the platform
Log on to the AIAF Platform.
Register your AI use cases and complete the required assessment.
Register the AI use case.
Provide details about the agency, responsible officer and use case details. This ensures the use of AI is visible and traceable.
Complete an assessment where required.
The registration process will determine whether an AIAF assessment is required. If required, complete the assessment questions so the platform can determine the overall risk level and identify mandatory assurance activities. This may include privacy, human rights or cyber security review.
Address the relevant focus areas.
Consider and respond to the additional questions and controls presented for the risks identified by the assessment.
Record decisions and keep the assessment current.
Complete required governance actions, retain supporting evidence in accordance with agency requirements, and reassess when the use case materially changes.
If your agency does not have access to the platform
The AIAF Platform is the standard channel for registering and assessing AI use cases.
A controlled offline assessment pathway is available only for agencies that cannot access the AIAF Platform because their SectorLink onboarding has not been completed.
Eligibility: use this pathway only where outstanding SectorLink onboarding prevents platform access. It is not a general alternative to the platform and cannot be used by preference.
Offline assessment pathway
- Request an offline AIAF from NSW GovAI. Include your agency name, a contact and basic use case details.
- NSW GovAI records the request. NSW GovAI assigns a unique reference number and issues a numbered copy of the current controlled offline assessment.
- Complete and return the assessment. Return only the completed numbered assessment to NSW GovAI. Supporting evidence, approvals and governance records should remain in your agency’s records management system.
- NSW GovAI uploads the completed assessment. NSW GovAI records completion and uploads the assessment to the AIAF Platform. This ensures the use case is included in across-government coverage.
- Move new work to the platform when access is enabled. Once SectorLink access is available, use the platform for every new registration and assessment.
An offline request will remain open until the completed assessment is returned or the agency confirms that the use case has been abandoned.
Request an offline assessment
To request an offline assessment, contact NSW GovAI using the button below and provide your agency name, contact details, and a brief description of the AI use case.
When to submit your project to the AI Review Committee
Agencies are required to submit their completed AI self-assessment to the AI Review Committee if the resulting risk is high or critical.
To submit AI use cases for review, follow the prompts on the AIAF platform or email the AI Secretariat at AlSecretariat@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
Relationship to NSW Government policies
The AIAF should be used alongside relevant NSW Government policies, legislation, standards and tools. These include the NSW AI Strategy and the NSW AI Operational Policy.
The AIAF is designed to support, not replace, agency-specific policies and standards, and ensures teams consult with subject matter experts for tailored guidance.
The AIAF has been integrated into the NSW Digital Assurance Framework to ensure a comprehensive approach to compliance with Australia’s AI Ethics principles.
Maintaining this Framework
The AIAF is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect developments in AI, strengthen risk management practices, align with evolving standards, and support the growing maturity of AI across the NSW Government.