Feedback closes 25 January 2026
There is a need for Council to consider the emergence of Artificial Intelligence and its increasing use in the workplace, both from the point of view of empowering and informing staff in its benefits, and in ensuring good governance practices are used.
The aim is to establish a clear, Council-wide position on governance principles related to artificial intelligence. This policy will be supported by operational policies which will be developed and updated as technology evolves, including a Use of Generative AI Policy, to guide practical implementation across the organisation.
Background
The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in workplaces, including local government, has created both opportunities and risks. Staff increasingly use AI-enabled systems for research, content generation, data analysis, and customer interaction, often without formal guidance on privacy, accuracy, or ethical use. This has highlighted the need for a consistent, organisation-wide policy to ensure AI is used safely, responsibly, and in alignment with Council’s governance and legal obligations, while also promoting and teaching staff about its potential benefits when used appropriately.
Without a policy framework, there is a heightened risk of unintentional breaches of privacy, misuse of confidential or personal information, biased or unreliable outputs, and reputational harm. The NSW Government has recognised these risks through the NSW AI Assurance Framework (AIAF) and has issued guidance for public sector agencies to establish clear accountability and oversight for AI use.
How to Submit Your Feedback
You can provide feedback:
- Online by completing the online submission form (see below)
- Email yoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
- Post to North Sydney Council, PO Box 12, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Please include ‘Draft Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy’ in the subject line of all email or written feedback.
All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the report to Council. Personal identifying information, and content which is discriminatory, hateful or which may defame, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate will be redacted.
For further information, please contact Council by emailing yoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9936 8100.