Automated technologies and AI appear to be hindering the APS recruitment process. 

The Merit Protection Commissioner’s (MPC) annual report says several recruitment decisions were overturned because of new APS selection processes relying on automated technologies and AI.

Commissioner Linda Waugh said the Review of Actions scheme has detected unintentional issues with the application of the merit principle.

“This often applied in newly designed selection processes that involved artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technologies. This led to a number of recruitment decisions being overturned by the MPC,” Ms Waugh said.

In response, the MPC is sponsoring an APSC graduate project to come up with new guidance for agencies to use AI and automated selection assessment tools.

“Operating in an increasingly tight and competitive labour market, APS agencies are looking to explore and embrace innovative recruitment practices that are more efficient and effective than traditional recruitment approaches,” the commissioner said.

“However, agencies must understand the risks involved — particularly to the merit principle — in these new approaches. Our office wants to ensure there are resources available to help agencies manage these risks.”