GovAI Chat

GovAI Chat is a secure, generative AI chat app built for the Australian Public Service.

It helps APS staff draft, summarise and sense-check work using modern AI tools, within a government-managed environment.

GovAI Chat will be rolled out iteratively, starting with an alpha trial in April 2026 and beta trial in July 2026.

Key features

User-centred design: Developed based on user research with staff across the Australian Public Service to ensure it meets APS needs.
Multiple model access: Seamlessly connect with multiple AI models from one convenient platform.
Conversational chat interface: Engage with AI through an intuitive chat window for quick and natural interactions.
File upload capability: Easily upload documents and files to enhance AI-assisted workflows.
Government-grade security: Built to comply with Australian government standards, offering safe and secure operations.
Access chat history: Access and review your chat history to support efficient work and transparent record-keeping.
Protected-level data handling: Designed for secure management of sensitive information in alignment with PSPF requirements (feature available in future releases, not in alpha trial).
Trusted web data: GovAI Chat will have access to a list of trusted websites (such as .gov.au domains) to improve accuracy and reliability.
Optimisation: Token capping and behavioural nudging supports efficient AI use.

What GovAI Chat can do

GovAI Chat supports everyday APS work.

It can help you:

draft emails, briefs and talking points

summarise documents and meeting notes

improve clarity and structure in writing

explain complex topics in plain language

work through problems or approaches

Responses provided in GovAI Chat are generated by AI and should always be reviewed for accuracy before use in official work.

Minimalist vector illustration of three people collaborating around a large digital interface. One person stands on a ladder adjusting a chart, another lifts interface panels into place, and a third interacts with a control point on the screen. The scene uses soft gradients in purple, blue, and orange on a light grey background, with small geometric accents adding a modern technology feel.

What GovAI Chat should not be used for

To make final decisions

To replace professional judgement

To provide legal, financial, medical or security advice

Without reviewing outputs.

GovAI Chat is designed to support staff, not replace them.

Minimalist vector icon showing a legal document with scales of justice beside a judge’s gavel. An orange circle with a white “X” overlays the corner, indicating restricted or prohibited use. The illustration uses soft purple gradients on a light grey background with a clean, modern technology style.

Information handling

GovAI Chat can be used for publicly available or OFFICIAL information only.

You must not enter:

OFFICIAL: Sensitive, PROTECTED, SECRET or TOP SECRET information

personal information unless necessary and appropriate

content you would not include in a work document.

Always follow your agency's information security and AI policies.

Many APS employees already use publicly available AI tools in their personal lives. GovAI Chat provides similar capabilities but within a a government-managed environment. Your data stays on Australian government-managed infrastructure. Prompts and files are not used to train models. Activity is logged for security and accountability.
We’re currently using GovTEAMS to access GovAI Chat. GovTEAMS provides secure, identity-verified access for APS staff across agencies.
Using GovTEAMS means your identity is confirmed before you access GovAI Chat, ensuring the service remains secure and exclusively available to authorised users.
The Department of Finance will work with participating agencies to arrange GovTEAMS access and cover the associated service costs during the trial period, so there is no cost to your agency to participate.
GovAI Chat doesn’t use your prompts or uploaded documents to train AI models. Anything you input is processed to generate a response and are not retained by AI model providers for training purposes.
Your activity within GovAI Chat is subject to standard government audit and access logging requirements. You should treat your use of GovAI Chat as you would any other government ICT system — use it for legitimate work purposes and in line with your agency’s acceptable use policies.
GovAI Chat includes an integrated support hub with self-guided training articles and practical guidance.
A prompt library with APS-specific templates will also be available to help you get started.
You can also build your AI skills through:
- Interactive Learning Environment — hands-on, sandboxed generative AI training with beginner and intermediate courses
- Knowledge Hub — curated learning resources, use cases and guidance on responsible AI use in the APS.
GovAI Chat alpha trial has begun with authority from the appropriate Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) delegate at Finance.

Full details of the security assessment and accreditation artefacts available to agencies will be provided through the agency onboarding process.

GovAI Chat beta will not begin without authority from the appropriate Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) delegate at Finance. 
Chief Information Officers and CISOs who require access to security documentation for their own agency risk assessments should request this through the GovAI onboarding contact.

Key features

What GovAI Chat can do

What GovAI Chat should not be used for

Get involved

Information handling