Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools — A National Six-Principle Standard Set by All State and Territory Ministers

In February 2023, Australia's federal, state and territory Education Ministers agreed to prioritise a coordinated response to generative AI in school education, creating the National AI in Schools Taskforce with representatives from every jurisdiction, school sector, Education Services Australia, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, and the Australian Education Research Organisation.

On 5 October 2023, Ministers approved the resulting Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools: six principles, supported by 25 guiding statements, intended to guide school leaders, teachers, support staff, EdTech providers, parents and students toward responsible and ethical use. The document was shaped by consultation with teachers, students, unions, industry, academics and parent bodies across public, Catholic and independent sectors. Implementation began in Term 1 2024. Ministers committed AU$1 million for Education Services Australia to update national privacy and security guidance for schools, reflecting a specific concern about student data protection raised during the framework's development.

The framework itself is a set of non-binding principles rather than a funded pedagogical programme. The sources reviewed report no independent evaluation of learning outcomes attributable to the framework, and its force depends on each state and sector translating the six principles into local policy and enforcement.