Measuring Productivity Gains, Service Improvements and Risks from Generative AI Deployments across Public Service

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what are the principal use cases in which artificial intelligence is currently deployed across the Public Service; (b) how many public agencies have deployed generative AI systems in their operations; and (c) how the Government measures the productivity gains, service improvements and risks arising from such deployments.

My reply will address the Oral question raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat in today's Order Paper, as well as his Written Question for the next Sitting, as they both relate to artificial intelligence (AI) in the Public Service.

The Public Service is progressively deploying AI to solve operational problems and improve public service delivery across a wide range of areas. Almost 70% of public officers use AI tools on a regular basis to analyse information, prepare drafts and support document processing. Agencies are also using AI to improve service delivery for citizens.

While adoption is broadening, the depth and maturity of AI adoption remain uneven across agencies. The current focus is on learning from practical deployment and experimentation, including where AI delivers the greatest value, how they affect work and teams, and what safeguards are needed to ensure responsible use.

Given the many ways AI can be deployed, whether through common platforms, embedded within larger digital services or adapted for agency-specific workflows, a simple count of AI systems would not provide a meaningful measure of progress. Instead, agencies assess the benefits, costs and risk of AI deployments, with success ultimately measured by whether AI helps officers work better and deliver more effective and efficient services to our citizens and businesses. As agencies continue to assess and refine their AI use cases, they do so within Government-wide requirements for procurement, governance and security.

Agencies must implement appropriate safeguards and human oversight for AI deployments and apply AI prudently to maximise benefits. At the same time, we are also training and upskilling public officers to use AI confidently, effectively and responsibly.