Public sector AI governance: risks and opportunities

Public sector AI governance: risks and opportunities

Author: CPA Australia August 5, 2025 Duration: 18:06

As AI becomes embedded across public sector operations, how do you balance innovation with accountability? In this episode, hear expert views on the governance of AI in the public sector.  

Key themes include: 

  • Why defining AI clearly matters for risk management 

  • The need to keep humans in the loop for high-impact decisions 

  • Risks of using public generative AI tools with confidential data 

  • The importance of closed-loop and contextual AI systems in government 

  • How to balance centralised frameworks with agency-specific needs 

  • Building a risk-aware culture vs. enforcing tick-box compliance 

  • The challenge of maintaining transparency in machine learning 

  • Why AI governance should be principles-based, not rules-based 

  • The growing concerns around agentic AI and loss of human control 

Whether you're a policy maker, accountant or public service leader, this discussion offers practical insights into designing agile, ethical and effective AI governance in the public sector. 

Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia 

Guest: Michael Davern, FCPA Professor of Accounting and Business Information Systems, University of Melbourne. For over 30 years, both in Australia and internationally, he has led industry-engaged research projects in data analytics, business intelligence, financial reporting, risk management, data governance and ethics, among others. 

CPA Australia has released a report titled AI governance in the public sector. It features key insights from CPA Australia's recent webinar with public sector experts. 

For more, a media release on AI governance in the public sector summarises our views. 

And learn more about this episode's expert guest Michael Davern on the University of Melbourne website.  

Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.  

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:  

Search for them in your podcast platform.  

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au  


Tune in to With Interest for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the world of business and finance. Presented by CPA Australia, this weekly discussion moves beyond the headlines to explore the practical implications of change for accounting professionals, business leaders, and anyone with a stake in the economic landscape. You’ll hear from practitioners and experts who break down complex topics in auditing, taxation, and corporate strategy into actionable insights. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in real-world application, whether the subject is a shift in regulatory frameworks, emerging leadership challenges, or broader economic trends. It’s a resource designed to inform your decisions and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape. For those looking to stay current and think critically about their work, With Interest provides a reliable and engaging audio companion. Each episode serves as a timely update and a catalyst for deeper professional reflection, all delivered with the authority and depth you would expect from CPA Australia.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

With Interest
Podcast Episodes
INTHEBLACK: Beyond profits: the case for social impact reporting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Measuring the 'S' in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is becoming more of a priority when it comes to company reporting. In this episode, learn more about the methodology, benefits and challenges involved in so…
How tax reform can transform Australia's economic future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:12
Why is tax reform crucial for Australia's future? From tackling the cost-of-living crisis to advancing intergenerational equity, boosting business productivity, and addressing climate change, many agree that tax policy h…
INTHEBLACK: Uncovering the staggering cost of food waste [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:02
Did you know that in Australia alone 312kg of food per person, per year is thrown away? In fact, food waste costs the Australian economy around $36.6 billion each year. Australian households spend around $2500 every year…
Unlock the power of structured philanthropic giving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:50
Explore the transformative world of structured philanthropic giving. Discover the strategies, benefits and tax implications of this impactful approach, paired with real-life stories showcasing how structured giving creat…
Explore the new IFRS 18 and its impact on company reporting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
Big changes are coming to financial reporting, and it's essential to stay informed. In this episode, unpack the transition from IAS 1 to IFRS 18, a shift that will significantly impact financial reporting over the coming…
Key findings from CPA Australia's 2024 Business Tech Survey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:08
Explore the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies on organisations as we dive into the key findings of the CPA Australia 2024 Business Technology Survey. Learn from a leading technology and finance expert…
INTHEBLACK: 2024 mergers and acquisitions update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
Curious about the latest mergers and acquisitions trends in Australia? Dive into why dealmakers are feeling confident despite a slowdown in overall activity for 2023. Unpack the reasons behind this cautious optimism and…
Essential cybersecurity insights for small business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
Explore critical findings from CPA Australia's 2024 small business survey, focusing on cyber security challenges and best practices. Join our expert cybersecurity guest, who provides insights on common mistakes, the impa…
My career as an auditor (and why I love it) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:16
Natcha Lertanuntrakul is a dedicated auditor with a passion for the profession. And as the 22-year-old explains, it's not just about number crunching. Auditing is a varied role that includes client visits, people skills…
Australian IR reform: analysing new laws' impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:19
Keeping pace with industrial regulations is crucial for Australian businesses - and we've seen a raft of law changes in recent times. This episode looks at the latest developments in Australian Industrial Relations (IR)…