AI Governance Council Australia

Independent AI Governance Readiness and Risk Assessment

About AI Governance Council Australia

AI Governance Council Australia (AIGC) provides independent AI governance readiness assessment and governance risk and control review for Australian organisations. We help reduce AI risk, protect boards and executives, and meet Australia's evolving AI governance expectations.

Our Mission

To establish trusted, independent standards for responsible AI deployment in Australia, protecting organisations and the public from AI-related harms while enabling innovation.

Why AI Governance Matters

  • Board and Executive Liability: Directors face increasing personal exposure for AI decisions
  • Procurement Requirements: Major contracts now require evidence of AI governance
  • Insurance and Risk Transfer: Insurers are scrutinising AI practices in underwriting
  • Regulatory Trajectory: Australian regulation is intensifying across sectors

Our Services

AI Governance Assessment

Comprehensive independent assessment of your AI systems, policies, and risk management practices. We identify legal, ethical, and operational risks before they become problems. Our assessment includes technical review, policy analysis, risk identification, gap analysis, and a detailed remediation roadmap.

Governance Readiness - Early Stage

Foundational governance readiness assessment for organisations with early stage or pilot AI use. Demonstrates your commitment to responsible AI development from the start. Includes governance framework review and basic policy assessment.

Governance Readiness - Operational

For organisations with AI in production. Confirms active governance controls, monitoring processes, and risk management procedures are in place. Includes comprehensive system assessment, operational review, and ongoing monitoring requirements.

Governance Maturity Evaluation - Full Governance

Comprehensive governance maturity evaluation for organisations with high-risk or regulated AI use. Provides maximum assurance and oversight for critical sectors including healthcare, financial services, and government. Includes complete governance audit, ongoing oversight, and annual reassessment.

Our Role

We provide independent assessment and governance risk identification. Implementation remains the responsibility of the organisation or its advisors.

Assessment Levels

Our three-tier assessment framework matches your organisation's AI maturity and risk profile:

Level 1: Early Stage

For organisations with early stage or pilot AI use. Scope: Basic governance framework, foundational policies. Requirements: Board awareness, documented policies, basic risk assessment. Timeline: 4-6 weeks. Cost: $8,500 + GST.

Level 2: Operational

For organisations with AI in production. Scope: Active governance controls, monitoring processes. Requirements: Operational policies, risk management procedures, incident response. Timeline: 6-8 weeks. Cost: $15,000 + GST.

Level 3: Full Governance

For high-risk or regulated AI deployments. Scope: Comprehensive governance, ongoing oversight. Requirements: Complete governance framework, board oversight, continuous monitoring. Timeline: 8-12 weeks. Cost: Custom pricing.

Our Methodology

Our AI governance assessment methodology is built on five core principles: independence, evidence-based assessment, risk-based approach, Australian context, and practical implementation. We assess across six governance domains: strategy and accountability, risk management, data governance, model governance, transparency and explainability, and monitoring and review.

Governance Framework

Our governance framework is designed for Australian organisations deploying AI systems. It provides structured guidance across all critical governance domains while remaining flexible enough to adapt to your specific context.

Framework Components

  • Governance Structure: Board oversight, executive accountability, governance committees
  • Risk Management: Risk assessment processes, mitigation strategies, incident response
  • Data Governance: Data quality, privacy protection, security controls
  • Model Governance: Development standards, validation processes, change management
  • Operational Controls: Monitoring systems, performance metrics, audit trails
  • Transparency: Documentation standards, explainability requirements, stakeholder communication

Ethics and Independence

Independence is fundamental to our assessment process. We maintain strict separation from consulting services, technology vendors, and commercial interests that could compromise our assessments.

Our Independence Commitments

  • No commercial relationships with assessed organisations beyond the assessment engagement
  • Assessors have no financial interest in assessment outcomes
  • Transparent methodology available for public review
  • Regular external audits of our assessment processes
  • Clear complaints and appeals procedures

Priority Sectors

We focus on sectors where AI risk exposure and regulatory scrutiny are highest:

Healthcare

AI in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care requires rigorous governance to protect patient safety and meet regulatory requirements.

Financial Services

AI in lending, fraud detection, and investment decisions faces intense regulatory scrutiny and poses significant liability risks.

Government

AI in public services, law enforcement, and decision-making must balance efficiency with fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Resources

We provide comprehensive resources to help Australian organisations understand and implement AI governance:

  • Australian Government AI Ethics Principles
  • NIST AI Risk Management Framework
  • EU AI Act Overview
  • ISO/IEC AI Standards
  • Industry-specific AI guidance
  • AI governance templates and checklists

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AI governance readiness assessment?

An AI governance readiness assessment is an independent evaluation process that confirms an organisation has implemented appropriate policies, controls, and accountability structures for responsible AI deployment.

Why do organisations need AI governance?

AI governance helps organisations reduce board and executive liability, meet procurement requirements, manage insurance exposure, protect reputation, and address increasing regulatory scrutiny.

What are the risks of not implementing AI governance?

Without proper AI governance, organisations face board and executive liability, procurement rejection, increased insurance costs, reputational damage, and regulatory enforcement action.

How long does an AI governance assessment take?

Timeline varies based on assessment level: Early Stage (4-6 weeks), Operational (6-8 weeks), Full Governance (8-12 weeks).

What assessment level do I need?

Choose Early Stage for initial AI use, Operational for AI in production, or Full Governance for high-risk AI deployments.

Is AIGC government-affiliated?

No, we are an independent organisation. While we align with Australian Government AI guidance, we maintain complete independence.

Contact Information

Request an AI risk assessment or executive briefing. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Email: info@aigcaustralia.com.au

Location: Australia

Available for: AI governance assessments, governance risk and control reviews, executive briefings, speaking engagements

Code of Professional Conduct

Standards of behaviour and professional obligation for all appointed assessors, panel members, and persons acting on behalf of AIGC.

Version 1.0Effective Date: 1 July 2025

All appointed assessors, panel members, advisory council members, and any other persons formally engaged in AIGC assessment or governance activities are bound by this Code. This Code applies irrespective of employment status. Acceptance of appointment or engagement with AIGC constitutes agreement to comply with these obligations in full.

Purpose

This Code of Professional Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour and professional obligation expected of all individuals who act on behalf of AI Governance Council Australia in a formal capacity. This includes independent assessors, panel members, advisory council members, and any other persons engaged in AIGC assessment or governance activities.

The Code exists to preserve institutional credibility, independence, and public trust in AIGC's assessment framework. Adherence to this Code is a condition of appointment and continued engagement with AIGC.

Integrity and Impartiality

All persons bound by this Code must conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in every aspect of their professional engagement with AIGC. Assessments, recommendations, and decisions must be based solely on documented evidence evaluated against AIGC's published criteria.

Obligations

Act honestly and in good faith in all professional dealings
Reach conclusions based on evidence, not assumption, preference, or external influence
Refuse to participate in any activity that could compromise the objectivity of an assessment
Disclose any circumstance that may give rise to a reasonable perception of bias
Refrain from accepting gifts, inducements, or hospitality that could influence professional judgement

Competence and Due Care

Persons engaged in AIGC activities must possess and maintain the professional competence necessary for their role. Work must be performed with diligence, thoroughness, and appropriate care.

Obligations

Accept only engagements for which they have adequate knowledge, skills, and experience
Maintain currency with developments in AI governance practice and AIGC methodology
Exercise professional judgement with appropriate rigour and attention to detail
Complete all work within agreed timeframes and to the standard expected by AIGC
Seek guidance or escalate matters when the limits of personal competence are reached

Confidentiality

All information obtained during the course of AIGC activities must be treated as confidential unless explicitly authorised for disclosure. This obligation extends beyond the period of active engagement.

Obligations

Protect the confidentiality of all information obtained through assessment or governance activities
Use confidential information only for the purposes for which it was provided
Store and transmit sensitive information securely, in accordance with AIGC's information handling requirements
Refrain from disclosing assessment outcomes, organisational information, or deliberations to unauthorised parties
Maintain confidentiality obligations indefinitely, unless released by AIGC or required by law

Conflict of Interest

Persons bound by this Code must identify and disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest. Conflicts must be managed transparently and in accordance with AIGC's conflict of interest procedures.

Obligations

Declare all relevant interests, relationships, and affiliations prior to accepting an engagement
Immediately disclose any conflict that arises during the course of an engagement
Withdraw from an engagement where a conflict cannot be adequately managed
Refrain from using a position within AIGC for personal advantage or the advantage of associated parties
Comply with any direction from AIGC regarding the management of a declared conflict

Professional Behaviour

All persons acting on behalf of AIGC must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation and standing of the organisation. Professional behaviour extends to all interactions with assessed organisations, colleagues, the public, and regulatory bodies.

Obligations

Treat all parties with courtesy, respect, and fairness
Communicate clearly, accurately, and without misrepresentation
Refrain from making public statements that could undermine public confidence in AIGC's processes
Cooperate fully with AIGC's internal processes, including complaints handling and quality reviews
Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values and institutional standards of AIGC

Breach and Disciplinary Action

A breach of this Code is a serious matter. AIGC will investigate any reported or suspected breach in accordance with its disciplinary procedures. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

Formal written warning
Suspension of appointment or engagement
Revocation of appointment
Removal from an active assessment or panel
Reporting to relevant professional bodies where appropriate

All persons subject to this Code will be afforded procedural fairness in any disciplinary process. AIGC retains discretion to determine appropriate action based on the nature and severity of the breach. Alleged breaches may be reported through AIGC's formal complaints mechanism.

Review and amendment

This Code is reviewed periodically by AIGC and may be amended from time to time. Persons bound by this Code will be notified of material changes. Continued engagement with AIGC following notification constitutes acceptance of the amended Code.

Related information

Review AIGC's ethics framework and complaints procedures.