Australia to trial Microsoft AI in public service

The news: The federal government says it will trial generative artificial intelligence in the Australian public service in the next step of its tech partnership with Microsoft. The announcement came after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Microsoft chair and CEO Satya Nadella in San Francisco on the fringes of APEC Economic Leaders event.

The numbers: The trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot will run for the first six months of 2024, with Microsoft training APS staff to improve productivity with a view to providing better services, the government said.

The context: The announcement follows a deal struck between government and Microsoft for the software giant to spend $5 billion over two years on digital infrastructure, training and cyber security investments as it expands its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia.

What they said: "By strengthening our partnership with Microsoft, we are charting a course for the future of public service — one where generative AI is used responsibly to enhance the work of the APS in delivering for Australians without compromising on safety," Albanese said in a statement.