NSW AI Assessment Framework
Australia Β· Framework Β· NSW Government
Our summary
A risk self-assessment framework that guides NSW Government agencies to design, develop, deploy and use artificial intelligence systems responsibly in accordance with the NSW AI Operational Policy and Australia's AI Ethics Principles. All agencies must register their AI use cases and complete required assessments through the AIAF Platform to identify risks and define mitigations, with high or critical risk systems submitted to the NSW AI Review Committee for oversight.
Written by the Index in our own words. It is not legal advice; the official text is the authority.
Inside this policy
Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.
Drafted by the Index An automated summary of the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
17 sections
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NSW AI assurance approach
NSW AI Assessment Framework (AIAF)
1 section
The AIAF Platform becomes mandatory for all agencies from 30 September 2026 onwards.
The AIAF Platform is mandatory from 30 September 2026
Use the AIAF Platform
1 section
From 30 September 2026, agencies must register all new AI use cases and complete assessments using the AIAF Platform. The platform maintains a consistent record of AI activity across NSW Government and guides users through required assurance steps.
How to use the platform
Users access the platform by logging in, then register the AI use case, complete any required assessment, address relevant focus areas, and document their decisions while keeping the assessment updated.
Log on to the AIAF Platform
Register the AI use case
Complete an assessment where required
Address the relevant focus areas
Record decisions and keep the assessment current
If your agency does not have access to the platform
2 sections
Agencies unable to access the AIAF Platform due to incomplete SectorLink onboarding may use an offline assessment pathway, which is available only as a temporary measure pending platform access and not as a general alternative.
Offline assessment pathway
Agencies requesting an offline assessment submit basic details to NSW GovAI, which assigns a reference number and provides a numbered copy of the assessment form. After completion, agencies return the assessment to NSW GovAI, which uploads it to the platform to ensure full government coverage. Once platform access is enabled, agencies must transition all new work to the platform.
Request an offline assessment
Agencies can request offline assessments by contacting NSW GovAI and providing their organisation identifier, communication information, and a summary of the AI use case being evaluated.
When to submit your project to the AI Review Committee
Agencies must submit completed AI self-assessments to the AI Review Committee when the assessed risk level is high or critical, using the AIAF platform prompts or emailing the AI Secretariat.
Relationship to NSW Government policies
The AIAF works in conjunction with other NSW Government policies, legislation and standards, including the NSW AI Strategy and NSW AI Operational Policy. It supports rather than replaces agency-specific policies and directs teams to consult experts for context-specific guidance. The framework integrates with the NSW Digital Assurance Framework to meet Australia's AI Ethics principles.
Maintaining this Framework
The AIAF undergoes regular review and updates to reflect AI developments, improve risk management, align with emerging standards, and support increasing AI maturity across NSW Government.
Explore further AIAF Guidance
Controls
What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.
Drafted by the Index Drafted automatically from the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
Themes covered 5 of 35
Choose a theme to see only its controls. About the themes
Risk and scope 1 of 4
- Risk classification, not covered
- Prohibited practices, not covered
- Impact assessment, not covered
Data and privacy 0 of 4
- Data governance and quality, not covered
- Data subject rights and consent, not covered
- Cross-border data transfer, not covered
- Copyright and training data, not covered
Transparency and records 1 of 4
- Transparency and disclosure to users, not covered
- Labelling of synthetic content, not covered
- Technical documentation, not covered
Technical safeguards 0 of 4
- Human oversight, not covered
- Accuracy, robustness and cybersecurity, not covered
- Bias and non-discrimination, not covered
- Testing and evaluation, not covered
Assurance and lifecycle 1 of 4
- Conformity assessment and certification, not covered
- Incident and breach reporting, not covered
- Post-market monitoring and corrective action, not covered
Rights and protected groups 0 of 4
- Automated decision-making rights, not covered
- Children and vulnerable groups, not covered
- Biometric identification and surveillance, not covered
- Whistleblowing, complaints and redress, not covered
Roles and organisation 2 of 6
- Supply chain and provider-deployer duties, not covered
- General purpose and foundation models, not covered
- Training and AI literacy, not covered
- Innovation support and sandboxes, not covered
Enforcement and sectors 0 of 5
- Enforcement, penalties and regulators, not covered
- Sector rules: health, not covered
- Sector rules: finance and insurance, not covered
- Sector rules: employment, not covered
- Sector rules: education, not covered
The full list of controls could not be loaded, so only the first 10 are shown.
Register the AI use case 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
Agencies must provide details about their agency, responsible officer and use case details to ensure AI use is visible and traceable.
Complete an assessment where required 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Deployers should complete an assessment questionnaire if the registration process indicates one is required, covering risks including privacy, human rights and cybersecurity.
Address the relevant focus areas 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Deployers should respond to additional questions and controls specific to the risks identified by their assessment.
Record decisions and keep the assessment current 2 controls
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Deployers should complete required governance actions and keep supporting evidence in line with their agency's requirements.
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Deployers should reassess their AI system when the use case materially changes.
Offline assessment pathway 1 control
- Applies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
Agencies may request an offline AIAF from NSW GovAI by providing their agency name, a contact person and basic use case details.
Request an offline assessment 1 control
- Applies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
Public agencies may request an offline assessment by contacting NSW GovAI and supplying their organisation name, contact information and a summary of the AI use case.
When to submit your project to the AI Review Committee 1 control
- Applies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Agencies should submit AI use cases for review either by using the AIAF platform prompts or by emailing the AI Secretariat.
Relationship to NSW Government policies 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
The NSW AI Assessment Framework should be used alongside relevant government policies, legislation and standards including the NSW AI Strategy and NSW AI Operational Policy.
Maintaining this Framework 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
NSW GovAI will review and update the Framework regularly to reflect AI developments, improve risk management practices, align with emerging standards and support increasing AI maturity across government.
Change history
No changes recorded since we began monitoring this policy.