2. Purpose and expected benefits
2.1 Problem definition
Describe the problem that you are trying to solve.
For example, the problem might be that your agency receives a high volume of public submissions, and that this volume makes it difficult to engage with the detail of issues raised in submissions in a timely manner.
Do not describe how you plan to fix the problem or how AI will be used.
Though ‘problem’ implies a negative framing, the problem may be that your agency is not able to take full advantage of an opportunity to do things in a better or more efficient way.
2.2 AI use case purpose
Clearly and concisely describe the purpose of your use of AI, focusing on how it will address the problem you described at 2.1.
Your answer may read as a positive restatement of the problem and how it will be addressed.
For example, the purpose may be to enable you to process public submissions more efficiently and effectively and engage with the issues that they raise in more depth.
2.3 Non‑AI alternatives
Briefly outline non‑AI alternatives that could address the problem you described at 2.1.
Non‑AI alternatives may have advantages over solutions involving AI. For example, they may be cheaper, safer or more reliable.
Considering these alternatives will help clarify the benefits and drawbacks of using AI and help your agency make a more informed decision about whether to proceed with an AI‑based solution.
2.4 Identifying stakeholders
Conduct a mapping exercise to identify the individuals or groups who may be affected by the AI use case. Consider holding a workshop or brainstorm with a diverse team to identify the different direct and indirect stakeholders of your AI use case.
The list below may help generate discussion on the types of stakeholder groups to consider. Please note the stakeholder types below have been provided as a prompt to aid discussion and is not intended as a prescriptive or comprehensive list.
For each type, identify the use case stakeholders and how they might be affected (positively or negatively).
End users
People who will use the AI system and/or interpret its outputs.
Evaluation or decision subjects
People or groups who will be evaluated or monitored by the system (e.g. who the system is making predictions or recommendations about).
Oversight team
The person or team who is managing, operating, overseeing or controlling and monitoring the system during and after deployment.
System owner or deployer
The executive executives responsible for making decisions on whether to use a system for a particular use.
AI model or AI system engineers
Those involved in AI model or system design, development and maintenance.
Rights holders
Those who hold the rights to materials used by AI (e.g. copyright owners or creators).
Malicious actors
Those who may intentionally misuse the system.
Bystanders
Those in vicinity of system that may be impacted.
Regulators and civil society organisations
Those who regulate, advocate for regulation, or are concerned about compliance.
Communities, or groups
Communities who are likely to be affected by the use of the system.
Associated parties
Third parties impacted by an evaluation or decision and other stakeholders who may have an interest in the use of the system based on their relationship to other stakeholders.
Non-end-user APS staff
APS staff whose roles and workflows will be affected by AI but are not end users of your AI use case.
Intermediaries
A facilitator or agent between 2 parties whose role may evolve with AI integration (e.g. tax agents).
2.5 Expected benefits
This section requires you to explain the expected benefits of the AI use case, considering the stakeholders identified in the previous question.
This analysis should be supported by specific metrics or qualitative analysis. Metrics should be quantifiable measures of positive outcomes that can be measured after the AI is deployed to assess the value of using AI. Any qualitative analysis should consider whether there is an expected positive outcome and whether AI is a good fit to accomplish the relevant task, particularly when compared to the non‑AI alternatives you identified previously. Benefits may include gaining new insights or data.
Consider consulting the following resources for further advice