Government Innovation Week Federal 2025: Chair Opening by Lucy Poole

Lucy Pool opened the day by setting the tone: innovation in government isn’t just about technology—it’s about values, capability, and trust. She reminded attendees that reform, AI, and delivering for Australians are integral to their daily work: the conversations public servants have, the decisions they make, and the services they design.

"Reform, AI, and delivering for Australians aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the work we do every day—the conversations we have, the decisions we make, and the services we design." 

Pool emphasized the importance of asking challenging questions, such as how to design inclusive services, guide AI with transparency and trust, and work collaboratively across government to deliver outcomes that are resilient, human-centered, and future-ready. These questions reflect the APS’s commitment to putting people before process.

Practical examples brought these ideas to life:

• National Library of Australia: Using AI to digitize and preserve cultural heritage, making it accessible to all Australians.

• Kiwi Rangers: Employing AI to monitor and protect land, blending technology with traditional knowledge to create culturally grounded solutions.

"It’s a story of tools shaped by purpose and informed by deep traditional knowledge." 

The launch of the APS AI Plan marked a significant milestone in the responsible adoption of AI. The plan reflects the collaborative effort of teams and agencies, and Pool highlighted that progress requires courage, curiosity, patience, and resilience. Mistakes are part of the journey—they are opportunities to learn, adapt, and strengthen public service practices.

"The true testament to our success as public servants will be how we bring people along and ensure no one is left behind." 

The Government Innovation Showcase Federal demonstrated that the APS is moving beyond experimentation, embedding AI in ways that deliver tangible value while remaining ethical, inclusive, and human-centered. With a focus on purpose-driven innovation, the APS is shaping a future-ready public service that prioritizes Australians at the heart of every decision.