Creating the conditions for ethical experimentation in public sector technology
What does safe innovation look like in government?
Across Australia, public servants are already experimenting quietly, carefully, and often without formal support.
Through a national Civic Tech dinner series in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, we heard from over 60 leaders working across technology, policy, law, service delivery, and research. Their message was clear: the appetite to innovate is growing, but the conditions to do so safely are still missing.
This report outlines the system shifts needed to embed experimentation in public sector work, and highlights practical steps that teams can take today to start building safe-to-learn environments.
What's inside
While the dinners fall under Chatham House rules, we have brought forward the insights and next steps:
- Insights from across government
Real examples of how teams are experimenting; where it’s working, and where it’s being held back. - Seven shifts to de-risk innovation
From ethical guardrails to new procurement and funding models, we share what needs to change. - Practical actions for teams
Steps you can take today to experiment safely, build trust, and deliver better outcomes. - Project examples from Portable and across the sector
Case studies that show how small pilots, strong partnerships, and thoughtful design can scale.
Why now?
Emerging technologies like AI are already shaping how government works. But experimenting with them, ethically, safely, and in the public interest, requires more than technical tools. It requires time, permission, and cross-sector collaboration.
This report is a blueprint for making that possible.
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