AI Week 2026 brought together staff from across the Department of Finance to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support everyday work in practical, responsible and effective ways. Held from 15 to 19 June, the week provided an opportunity to build capability, share experiences and strengthen understanding of how AI is being applied across the department.
Close to 2000 staff participated in sessions throughout the week, reflecting a strong interest in learning, experimenting and building confidence with AI. The week featured a mix of online sessions, interactive workshops and in-person events, designed to make AI accessible to staff at all levels of experience.
A key highlight of the week was the Business Marketplace, where teams from across Finance showcased how AI is being used in real work scenarios. These demonstrations provided practical insights into how AI is supporting service delivery, decision-making and efficiency across a range of business areas.
Finance’s AI Showcase further expanded this perspective by bringing together external partners and government agencies, including Microsoft, Google, Gartner and the Australian Taxation Office. The event enabled staff to engage directly with experts, explore emerging technologies and better understand how AI is being applied across the broader public sector.
Across the program, a consistent message emerged: AI is not only about adopting new tools, but about improving the way work is undertaken. Sessions highlighted practical use cases, lessons learned and emerging opportunities, while reinforcing the importance of responsible AI use. This includes strong governance, human oversight, privacy and security considerations, and an understanding of the limitations of AI outputs.
AI Week also emphasised the role of collaboration and shared learning in supporting effective AI adoption. By creating space for discussion, experimentation and knowledge sharing, the week encouraged staff to explore how AI can be applied within their own roles and areas of responsibility.
While AI Week 2026 has concluded, learning and engagement will continue. Finance remains committed to supporting staff to develop capability in emerging technologies and to embedding practical, responsible use of AI across its work.
