What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Answer

I am advised that the artificial intelligence tool most used by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is Microsoft 365 Copilot. MPI also uses AI-enabled functionality in some operational systems where it supports the efficient processing or analysis of information. For example, machine learning and computer vision are used to help review footage collected from on-board cameras on commercial fishing vessels. Microsoft 365 Copilot licences were acquired through MPI’s existing Microsoft 365 enterprise licensing arrangements, rather than through a separate stand-alone procurement process. Where MPI procures systems or services that include artificial intelligence functionality, MPI follows the applicable government procurement rules and MPI’s procurement policies and procedures.