We’re still exploring how Council staff might use AI and looking at best practice to see what works best in local government. Some possible uses include automating routine tasks, analysing data, drafting reports and letters, transcribing meetings, troubleshooting issues, online customer service, generating ideas, and carrying out risk assessments or predictive analysis.

This is Council’s first AI Policy and serves as a benchmark as we begin our journey in this space. The policy has been designed to be agile, providing staff with clear guidance on when and how it should be reviewed and updated, ensuring it keeps pace with ongoing developments in AI.

No. Council does not expect job losses as a result of adopting AI. Our focus is on using AI to improve the way we deliver services to the community, not to replace people.

Some roles may evolve as technology changes. To prepare for this, our HR team will support staff whose work is most likely to be impacted by AI. This will include retraining and upskilling, so that employees can adapt, take on new responsibilities, and continue adding value to the community.

Council is committed to transparency and accountability in the use of AI. To support this, we are developing a contestable channel that will allow community members to raise questions or concerns about services supported by AI.

This channel has not yet been developed. Council will first finalise and endorse the AI Policy before creating the process.

Once in place, the contestable channel will likely be available through Council’s self-serve “Report It” page. This process will help us respond efficiently, while ensuring that services using AI remain transparent, accountable, and open to community input.