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.
Difference between GovAI Chat and other AI tools
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.
GovAI Chat trials
GovAI Chat trials are for APS employees to use and test the app as part of their day to day tasks, and provide feedback for future design.
Alpha trial – expressions of interests open for April 2026
The alpha trial will be available for up to 5,000 APS employees for OFFICIAL and publicly available information.
Some features are still being developed. Participants can expect core product with additional features delivered in the Beta phase.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Alpha phase of the trial you must:
- be an APS employee (contractors or consultants may be eligible dependant on your engagement terms)
- have a valid GovTEAMS account
- work at an agency that has engaged with GovAI.
Engaging in the GovAI trial stages is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of how the APS uses AI safely and effectively. It’s important trial participants engage in feedback surveys and invitation codesign sessions to provide this valuable input.
Beta trial – July 2026
The Beta trial will expand access and capability.
Users will see:
- improved performance and user experience based on alpha feedback
- additional training and support resources.
Up to 20,000 APS employees can trial the app for up to PROTECTED information.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the trial you must:
- be an APS employee (contractors or consultants may be eligible dependant on your engagement terms)
- Baseline security clearance (beta trial only)
- work at an agency that has engaged with GovAI.