MasterCraft Series – AI in Government and AI's role in capability and learning

The MasterCraft Series event on "AI in Government and AI's role in capability and learning" promises to be an insightful exploration of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the public sector. This timely discussion will delve into how AI technologies can be leveraged to enhance of government operations, improve service delivery, and foster innovation in policy formation. The event will provide some commentary of the alignment of AI implementation with the Australian Public Service Reform Agenda, emphasizing the importance of citizen-centric approaches and cross-sector collaboration.
Distinguished panellists from across academia, industry and not for profit sectors will offer their expertise on the big picture of AI in government, framing the AI discussion within the context of purposeful innovation that supports the APS Reform Agenda and puts citizens at the centre of government service delivery. They will explore how AI can be harnessed to better understand and respond to citizens' needs, streamline administrative processes, and enable data-driven decision-making. The panel will also address the ways in which AI can facilitate improved collaboration between government departments and external stakeholders, leading to more effective and efficient public services.
Finally, the event will examine AI's role in enhancing capability and learning within the public sector. Panellists will discuss how AI might augmented our capabilities and change how we do things. The discussion will also touch upon the ethical considerations and challenges associated with AI adoption in government, ensuring that its implementation aligns with principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Presenters

David Spriggs, CEO, Infoxchange
David Spriggs is the CEO of Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise driven by the vision of technology for social justice. He is passionate about creating a more digitally inclusive society and the role technology can play in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the for-purpose sector.
In addition to his role at Infoxchange, David is Chair of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) and Deputy Chair of Specialisterne Australia, working to create careers for people on the autism spectrum. David is also a Non-Executive Director of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, a charity dedicated to keeping children and young people safe from violence wherever they live, learn and play.
David holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from the University of Queensland, a Certificate in Theology from Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and is a Graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Martin Stewart-Weeks, Founder and Principle Purpose Pty Ltd
Martin is a published author, analyst and facilitator. He has been a public servant, a Ministerial advisor and Chief of Staff and a consultant and advisor. He has held positions in the federal and NSW public sector and worked for Cisco’s innovation and strategy group for 12 years leading a practice across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
As well as his own consulting and advisory work, Martin has held advisory roles with Deloitte and PwC and chaired or been on the boards of think tanks, advisory groups and committees for state and federal governments and a range of civil society organisations including the Australian Centre for Social Innovation and the Centre for Policy Development. He was a member of the inaugural NSW AI Advisory Group that produced the first version of the NSW AI Assurance Framework. He is a member of the advisory group for the University of Sydney’s Centre for AI, Trust and Governance
Martin is a Practice Fellow at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government for digital government strategy and leadership and the convenor of the ANZSOG program Public Leadership for the Digital Age.

Madeleine Haughton, Acting Head of Policy at the Tech Council of Australia
Madeleine is an accomplished policy expert dedicated to growing Australia's tech ecosystem. She has a strong background in economic policy, with a particular focus on competition and consumer issues honed during her time at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Now, as Acting Head of Policy at the Tech Council, Madeleine spearheads policy and advocacy efforts across a broad portfolio, including AI policy and regulation, tech skills and training, and building a robust tech ecosystem.
Facilitator

Dr Paul Hubbard, Co-Head of AI CoLab, Department of Finance
Dr Paul Hubbard is Co-Head of the AI CoLab and Assistant Secretary at the Australian Government Department of Finance. The AI CoLab is a cross-sector initiative dedicated to supporting the Australian Public Service in the safe, inclusive, and effective adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. Paul brings a grounded, curious perspective to the intersection of AI and government and is a strong advocate for hands-on engagement—getting public servants out of the hype and into practical exploration.
Paul has held senior roles across the Australian Public Service, including at the Treasury, and Deparment of the Prime Minsiter and Cabinet. His career has focused on economic policy and international engagement. He is also the host of "The Masked Economist," a platform that makes complex economic topics accessible to a broader audience.
Participant benefits
Learn more about how AI is impacting government from academia, industry and not for profits.
Hear practitioners share their AI 'big picture' issues and what this means for the APS.
Understand what transformation needs to occur by government in order to be best positioned for a new AI world.
Suitable for
All Staff
Category and User level
This learning experience aligns with the Digital Profession at the Foundation level.
Price
Free of charge.
Additional Information
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