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- A new survey shows Artificial Intelligence, or AI is being widely used across public and community services
- The Public Service Association surveyed more than 900 of its members with more than half saying AI is used in the workplace
- More than 90 percent of users of the technology say they do it by choice, as opposed to a work requirement
- The PSA is calling on the government to introduce AI regulations similar to those seen overseas and consult widely on its strategy.
Artificial Intelligence is in wide use among public and community services, despite most workers not being in trained in how to use the technology safely, according to a new report.
The Public Service Association (PSA) surveyed more than 900 of its members, with 55 percent of respondents saying AI is used at their place of work.
Of this number, 45 percent admitted using it personally.
In a report released on Monday, the PSA said use the technology was commonly used across many industries, but that controls and training measures were not in place for its safe and effective use.
An overwhelming majority (94 percent) of employees who used the technology did so by choice, as opposed to being required as part of work procedures.
Only 12 percent said they had a policy on the use of AI at work, the report said.
A further 45 percent were unsure whether there was an AI policy in place.
Workers were mostly positive about the use of AI to assist them with their work and held a low level of concern about their roles being replaced or not being able to adapt to new technology, the report said.
More than 50 percent agreed there was potential for AI to streamline services and provide better outcomes for the public.
There was further concern that AI could discriminate against workers and lead to missed job opportunities with 68 percent worried about the use of AI in recruitment and promotion decisions.
Increased workplace surveillance and erosion of trust in public and community services were other concerns highlighted in the report.
PSA national secretary Kerry Davies said the figures indicated there was a pressing need for employers to engage with workers and their respective unions on using AI in a planned way.
"An overwhelming majority of workers surveyed were not satisfied with the current levels of consultation, or training and support that they receive," she said.
Many members were sceptical AI would deliver the benefits and positive transformation and say consultation with the public is essential.
The most common AI tool being used was ChatGPT, with 41 percent of respondents using this system.
Dozens of other tools were listed by survey respondents.
The government earmarked the release of its first ever AI strategy as part of its second-quarter action plan.
The PSA urged the government to consult far and wide in developing the plan.
This included iwi Māori, communities and users of public and community services, workers and their representative unions and other experts.
"It's critical that government takes a realistic look at whether public and community services are ready to make safe and effective use of AI," Davies said.
"Workers have a critical role in developing the guard-rails to ensure the safe adoption of AI.
"They also need proper training and guidance about how to use this technology."
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