Leader of Gov Copilot Trial to Spearhead DTA’s AI Strategy

Following the completion of a six-month trial, Garrett Kelly, the leader of the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Microsoft 365 Copilot trial, has been promoted to the position of director of AI strategy and engagement. Kelly, who managed the government’s pilot program for Microsoft 365 Copilot, will now be responsible for overseeing and guiding the implementation of artificial intelligence strategies across the Australian public sector. This role marks a significant step in the DTA’s ongoing efforts to embed AI into government processes and operations.

Before his involvement in the Copilot trial, Kelly served as the assistant director for the DTA’s AI in government taskforce, where he worked on initiatives aimed at fostering AI adoption and readiness across various government sectors. His extensive experience with AI applications within the public service and his leadership in the Copilot trial have positioned him as a key figure in the DTA’s push for greater AI integration.

The Microsoft 365 Copilot trial, which began in March 2024, was launched to explore how generative AI could enhance productivity, skills development, and preparedness for the future across Australia’s public service. During the trial, the DTA distributed 7,769 Copilot licenses to 5,765 users across 60 government agencies. The trial was part of a broader effort to evaluate the potential of AI tools in streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency within government departments.

While the trial provided valuable insights, an evaluation report revealed that Copilot’s integration into the daily operations of many agencies was more challenging than expected. One of the key issues was the difficulty in integrating the tool with essential records repositories and systems used by several government departments. As a result, many agencies reported using Copilot only intermittently, with some employing the tool “a few times a week” or even less frequently. These agencies also found that their high expectations for the AI tool were not fully met during the short trial period.

Moreover, some government departments, such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), faced additional hurdles. Due to the nature of their data, much of which exists outside of Microsoft 365, ABS had to conduct separate generative AI trials. This made it difficult for Copilot to access and utilize critical data, limiting the potential benefits of the tool in such environments.

Despite the mixed results from the trial, the DTA is in ongoing discussions with Microsoft about the next phase of its volume sourcing agreement, which includes the potential inclusion of Copilot at an additional cost beyond the existing Microsoft 365 licenses. The government is evaluating whether to extend the use of Copilot across more departments and whether to negotiate further licenses or adjustments to its existing agreement with Microsoft.

However, some agencies have already chosen to extend their use of Copilot beyond the trial period. For example, organizations like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Geoscience Australia have opted to continue using the AI tool, signaling interest in its long-term benefits despite the trial’s limitations. These agencies are looking to harness Copilot’s capabilities to support innovation, improve productivity, and streamline their operations.

The appointment of Kelly to lead the DTA’s AI strategy comes at a crucial time. As the government moves forward with its plans to expand the use of AI tools, his role will involve overseeing the integration of AI technologies into public sector work processes, ensuring that AI applications are used effectively and responsibly. His leadership will be essential in driving the development of AI-related policies, ethical frameworks, and partnerships that will help the government leverage AI for improved service delivery and decision-making.

Kelly’s new role will also focus on fostering collaborations with technology partners and guiding the adoption of AI within the public service. With AI technologies evolving rapidly, the DTA’s AI strategy will likely emphasize building the capabilities of government agencies, creating a more AI-literate workforce, and addressing the challenges of data privacy and security as AI tools become more embedded in the public sector’s day-to-day operations. As AI continues to reshape industries and governance structures, Kelly’s leadership will be key in ensuring that the Australian public service remains at the forefront of technological innovation while addressing the risks associated with AI deployment.