By Georgia Conway, GovAI Engagement Lead
Imagine reclaiming an hour of your workday, every day. Thats the kind of impact AI is already delivering for APS teams. By reducing repetitive tasks and surfacing insights faster, AI helps public servants focus on what really matters - delivering better outcomes for Australians.
Why AI Matters
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technologies that can handle time consuming tasks like sorting information, responding to routine enquiries, or generating content. For the APS, this means less administration and more time for strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovation.
Recent trials show the impact - staff using AI tools saved up to an hour per day, which is equivalent to 6 weeks a year. With the added flexibility, that time can be reinvested in stakeholder engagement, problem solving, and delivering high value work.
How Does AI Help Me?
Automating routine work with AI enables APS staff to invest energy in meaningful work, whether that’s leading complex projects, developing professionally, or strengthening team connections. Staff report stronger engagement and satisfaction as daily monotony is reduced, creating more opportunities to learn, collaborate and support one another. With extra time and flexibility, teams become more adaptable, innovative and focused on what matters most.
Here are some concrete examples, within an APS context, that illustrates the value of AI:
- Document drafting: AI prepares first drafts, freeing staff to refine content and add insights.
- Search and summarisation: AI rapidly finds and condenses data, delivering instant access to information.
- Enquiry handling: Virtual assistants field routine questions, so staff can focus on more complex interactions and relationships.
- Collaboration support: Less administration means more time for teamwork, problem solving, and innovation across agencies.
There are different ‘use cases’ that enable APS staff to spend more time on creative, fulfilling work and help build a more connected, future ready public service.
Learn, Experiment, and Explore with GovAI
GovAI provides a trusted, APS only environment to build AI confidence and skills:
- GovAI Knowledge Hub: A space to help you learn how AI works, what it can and can’t do, and how to use it in your work. Explore resources, courses and interactive tools to build your Artificial Intelligence skills and confidence.
- GovAI Interactive Learning Environment (ILE): Hands on courses for APS staff with beginner or intermediate AI experience to safely and effectively experiment with generative AI tools. It includes practical, APS-focused lessons, tips on prompt writing, and guided comparisons across multiple large language models.
- GovAI and APS Academy Masterclass Series: Live sessions led by experts on topics like prompt writing, AI safeguards, and real-world applications across the APS.
- GovAI Collaboration Space: A dedicated Viva Engage space within GovTEAMS where APS staff who are interested in AI can share ideas, ask questions and learn from peers through active, cross-agency conversations.
All GovAI services are available to APS staff with a GovTEAMS account.
Getting Started is Easy
- Complete the AI in Government Fundamentals course within the APS Academy to build your foundational knowledge.
- Explore the GovAI service if you have an active GovTEAMS licence - access hands-on courses in the Interactive Learning Environment and browse the Knowledge Hub for resources, tools, and guides to grow your AI skills.
- Bookmark the APS Academy events calendar to stay up to date with live AI-focused events and masterclasses.
The Bottom Line
AI is already delivering real value across the APS, saving time, reducing admin, and building a more confident, digitally capable public service. With practical tools and free training available, every APS employee has the opportunity to build AI skills and contribute to a smarter, more efficient public service.