The National AI Centre (NAIC) has released guidelines with six key steps to help Australian businesses plan, manage and use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly. Responding to industry feedback for clearer and more actionable advice, Guidance for AI Adoption builds on the Voluntary AI Safety Standard and aligns with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles as well as international best practices.

It aims to support organisations at every stage of their AI journey, from those just beginning to explore AI to those managing complex systems.

Six essential practices

To foster trust and deliver value, the guidance outlines six key practices:

• Decide who is accountable
• Understand impacts and plan accordingly
• Measure and manage risks
• Share essential information
• Test and monitor
• Maintain human control

By following these practices organisations can build stakeholder trust, unlock the benefits of AI while managing its risks, and boost public confidence in responsible AI use.

Practical tools for implementation

To help businesses put responsible AI into action, the guidance includes ready-to-use resources such as an AI policy template and AI register template.

These tools provide a roadmap for navigating the complex AI governance landscape and embedding ethical principles into everyday operations.

The guidance is also structured into two tailored versions:

• Foundations: For organisations new to AI, this version helps establish governance, align AI initiatives with business goals, and manage risks effectively.
• Implementation Practices: Designed for governance professionals and technical experts, this version offers deeper insights into strengthening AI oversight and governance.

Read more and access the full guidance on the National AI Centre website.