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

It gives APS employees access to modern AI chat capabilities within a trusted, 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.

 

Tasks GovAI Chat can help with

GovAI Chat supports a wide range of everyday APS work tasks, including:

  • drafting emails, briefs, minutes and more
  • reviewing and summarising documents
  • turning meeting notes into structured ideas
  • analysing and visualising trends in data
  • brainstorming and ideation
  • identifying conflicting ideas or missing criteria
  • understanding policies and guidelines.

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

 

Get involved

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Trial details
GovAI Chat trials are for APS employees to use and test the app as part of their day to day tasks. We'll ask you to provide feedback through pulse checks and co design session for future design. Register your interest for the alpha trial starting in…
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Information sessions
Get an early look at GovAI Chat and how it supports the APS AI Plan's focus on trust, people and tools.

Learn more

  • Many APS employees already use publicly available AI tools in their personal lives. GovAI Chat provides similar capabilities but within a secure, government-managed environment. This means your work stays within approved APS systems and you don’t need to create personal accounts with external providers.

  • 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:

  • GovAI Chat trials will not commence without 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. 

    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.