Capability 6.4
Civic Engagement & Democratic Legitimacy
Definition
Mechanisms ensuring that citizens, civil society and academia can meaningfully participate in shaping AI policy, governance and oversight, strengthening democratic legitimacy and accountability.
Examples
- Parliamentary engagement, including public inquiries
- EU AI Alliance
- Canadian Advisory Council on AI
- Taiwan digital democracy tools
- Ombudsman.
Indicators
- Membership and active participation of civil society / academia / industry in national or subnational forum(s)
- Number of AI-related open policy consultations and responsiveness
- Participation rates for legislative consultations / hearings
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Limited commitment
Cross-cutting emphasis throughout the plan on building public trust, transparency and inclusive AI development across multiple action areas, but contains no details of specific mechanisms to enhance civic participation or democratic legitimacy. Limited commitment by government is a missed opportunity to increase domestic maturity in a globally scarce capability with high public interest value. If action is not taken to close this gap, the plan's goal to spread the benefits of AI will not be achieved.
Stocktake
Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2025. HAI Stanford University. April 2025. https://hai.stanford.edu/assets/files/hai_ai_index_report_2025.pdf
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Reference Group (CAIRG). Australian Government Attorney-General's Department. Accessed October 2025. https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/copyright/copyright-and-artificial-intelligence-reference-group-cairg
The Australian Government’s interim response to safe and responsible AI consultation. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. January 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australian-governments-interim-response-safe-and-responsible-ai-consultation
Responsible AI Network. National AI Centre. Accessed October 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/national-artificial-intelligence-centre/responsible-ai-network
Senate Select Committee on Adopting AI hearings list (May–Sep 2024). Parliament of Australia. Accessed October 2024. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Adopting_Artificial_Intelligence_AI/AdoptingAI/Public_Hearings
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments