Artificial intelligence
The Outdoor Access Commission uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools responsibly, transparently, and in ways that reflect public-sector values.
Some of our staff and contractors use AI tools to help with tasks. A human always reviews, edits, and takes responsibility for any AI-assisted work before it is used or shared. AI is never used to make final decisions that could affect people’s rights or interests.
We believe you should know how we work — including when we use technologies such as artificial intelligence. This page explains what AI tools we may use, when and why we use them, and the safeguards we have in place to ensure our work remains accurate, fair, and accountable.
Our use of AI is governed by an internal policy approved by our chief executive and guided by the Government’s Public Service AI Framework.
Staff and contractors may use AI to support a range of routine tasks. Their use is always supplementary — AI assists our team, but it does not replace human judgment or expertise.
- Helping draft or improve written content such as reports, website copy, correspondence, or communications materials.
- Summarising documents, research papers, or large volumes of text to help staff understand information more efficiently.
- Helping organise ideas, structure documents, or outline projects and plans before human staff develop the content.
- Checking drafts for grammar, clarity, and consistency as a first-pass review before human editors assess the work.
- Drafting internal notes, meeting summaries, or briefing memos.
- Assisting with analysis, such as processing data or identifying patterns or themes in data.
Our principles
Whenever we use AI, we apply the following principles:
- A staff member or contractor reviews, proofreads, and edits all AI-generated content before we use it. We are responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of anything we publish or send.
- We do not enter personal or confidential information into AI systems unless specific safeguards are in place. Our Privacy Act obligations apply fully to any AI-assisted work.
- We use AI in ways that respect people’s dignity and equality. We are aware of the risk that AI systems can reflect or amplify biases, and we take steps to detect and correct them.
- Our use of AI complies with all laws, including the Privacy Act, Official Information Act, Human Rights Act, Copyright Act, and Public Records Act.
- We take cybersecurity seriously and apply appropriate safeguards when using AI to protect our systems and all information we hold.
- A person is always involved in final decision-making. AI may assist in preparing background information, but it does not make or determine outcomes.
Get in touch
If you have questions about how we use AI or want to know more about our approach, please contact us.