Digital NSW 2025: Panel Discussion- Agency Head Panel

A recent panel discussion, moderated by Laura Christie, Deputy Secretary of Digital New South Wales, brought together leaders from across the public sector to explore how employees can be equipped with the skills and guidance to responsibly harness digital technology and AI, driving a more productive and agile public service. The panel included Chloe Reed, Managing Director of TAFE NSW; Chris Hanger, Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water; and Elizabeth Mildawater, Secretary of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.

Christie highlighted that agency head panels have consistently been among the most highly rated sessions at the Digital NSW showcase, with participants appreciating the clarity on leadership priorities around digital transformation. The discussion focused on how agencies are preparing their workforce to navigate the opportunities and risks associated with AI and emerging technologies.

AI in Education and Workforce Training
Chloe Reed shared lessons from integrating AI tools into learning and delivery at TAFE NSW. She emphasized the importance of providing clear guidance on the appropriate use of AI, particularly for students and junior staff who may not yet fully understand the limits and parameters of these tools. Reed noted that while AI can boost productivity for more experienced staff, indiscriminate use risks “de-skilling” others. She also emphasized the importance of inclusion, noting that some students still only have access to mobile devices, which highlights the need to avoid deepening digital inequality.

Supporting Creative Industries
Elizabeth Mildawater discussed AI’s impact on the creative sector, acknowledging both the anxiety and optimism among artists and creatives. While some fear AI may exploit their work, she noted that the essence of art—human intent and endeavor—cannot be replicated. Her department is working to provide guidance and foster informed debates about AI, ensuring that artists’ rights and intellectual property are protected. Mildawater also highlighted opportunities for digital and creative skills to intersect, particularly in Sydney’s growing digital games and screen sectors, as well as in regulatory contexts where large volumes of data can now be analyzed in real-time.

Balancing AI and Environmental Sustainability
Chris Hanger addressed the challenge of leveraging AI-driven efficiencies while maintaining environmental sustainability. He highlighted that the department carefully evaluates its technology partners, ensuring alignment with environmental goals, and noted the significant footprint of data centers in terms of both energy and water. Hanger praised platforms like SEED (Sharing and Enhancing Environmental Data) that make government data accessible for AI applications, emphasizing collaboration across sectors to minimize environmental impacts.

Practical Insights for Teams
The panel also fielded audience questions, with practical guidance emerging for public sector teams: AI adoption must be paired with clear frameworks, ethical guardrails, and a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Chloe Reed pointed to the Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IAT), which offers micro-credentials and training opportunities, with over 400,000 enrollments, as an example of scalable skills development initiatives.

Key Themes That Emerged Across the Panel

• AI isn’t a magic bullet; it must be guided. Across education, the arts, and the environment, panellists stressed the importance of clear guidance, ethics, inclusion, and context, rather than blindly deploying AI.

• Access and equity matter. Whether for students without devices, creatives lacking resources, or communities relying on government services, digital transformation must be inclusive.

• Digital transformation must strike a balance between speed, innovation, and sustainability. Data and AI offer immense potential — but their infrastructure footprint, vendor choice, and environmental impact require careful consideration.

• Shared data and collaboration across agencies are key. Platforms like SEED, shared digital‑service frameworks, or training initiatives drive value when agencies work together — rather than each building in isolation.

• Human at the centre. Even in AI-heavy strategies, the emphasis remained on human value: supporting staff to do meaningful work, providing citizens with services that work for them, and protecting the human essence in creative sectors.