Western Australia is preparing a new push into artificial intelligence across its public sector with the creation of a Public Sector AI Centre of Excellence and a $10 million investment fund aimed at accelerating practical use of the technology in government services.
The initiative is designed to support agencies across Western Australia in applying AI tools to areas such as service delivery, processing times, community safety, and administrative efficiency. Government officials say the focus is on making services easier to access while improving the way information is handled across departments.
The new AI Centre of Excellence will act as a central capability hub, helping public sector teams identify where AI can be used effectively and safely. It is expected to support agencies in reducing manual workloads, speeding up decision-making processes, and improving the consistency of services delivered to the public.
Alongside this, the $10 million AI Investment Fund will open pathways for collaboration with industry and universities. Projects that demonstrate practical value in areas such as productivity or service delivery will be prioritised, with the fund also designed to help pilot and scale early-stage AI applications across government systems. A procurement mechanism will sit alongside the fund to give agencies faster access to approved AI providers.
An AI uplift team will work directly with departments to support implementation of high-value projects. This team will operate alongside existing governance structures that oversee responsible and safe use of AI across the public sector. The approach is intended to reduce duplication of effort and ensure successful projects can be shared and expanded across agencies.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the Digital Strategy 2026–2030, which outlines plans to improve data sharing, strengthen collaboration between agencies, and build digital skills across the workforce. AI forms a key part of that broader direction, particularly in relation to modernising how government services are delivered.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the government is focused on ensuring the public sector is prepared for ongoing technological change and better equipped to meet community needs.
He said the introduction of a dedicated centre and investment fund would help position the state’s public service to adopt new tools more effectively, while also supporting innovation across departments.
The WA Government said the approach is intended to strengthen service delivery and build capability within the public sector, with an emphasis on long-term workforce readiness and practical outcomes from AI adoption.
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