Councils Collaborate to Launch Strategic Artificial Intelligence Partnership

The Cities of Marion, Charles Sturt, and Port Adelaide Enfield have signed a long-term strategic partnership with Adelaide-based digital transformation consultancy Bailey Abbott to responsibly identify and develop practical AI solutions to improve council services and deliver better outcomes for communities.

The multi-year partnership will operate as a collaborative innovation model with a strong focus on public value, ethical and transparent use of AI, shared learning across councils and long-term capability building in local government.

The arrangement enables councils to invest upfront in shared AI capability and reusable solutions that deliver long-term efficiencies and value for local communities.

The three councils will work together with Bailey Abbott in the early stages of the partnership to identify and co-design practical AI use cases, develop AI roadmaps, pilot and test initiatives with staff, and support implementation to improve service delivery.

Bailey Abbott was appointed following a highly competitive open Expression of Interest process and will invest more than $1million into the initiative over the term of the agreement.

Councils retain full ownership and control of their data, with strong safeguards in place to protect privacy, data, and ethical use of all technology.

City of Charles Sturt Chief Executive Officer Paul Sutton said the partnership reflects a responsible and innovative approach to emerging technology in the sector.

"This partnership allows us to take a considered approach to artificial intelligence, focusing on real community benefit while maintaining strong governance, transparency and public trust," he said.

City of Marion Chief Executive Officer Tony Harrison said collaboration across councils would strengthen capability now and into the future.

"Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, so it's important local government organisations get on the front foot, to ensure the highest levels of customer service, delivered in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. It needs to be adopted with the customer being front of mind," he said.

"That's why we're excited to work alongside our partnership councils and Bailey Abbott to learn how our workforce can use AI effectively and responsibly."

City of Port Adelaide Enfield Chief Executive Officer Mark Withers said it was an exciting milestone for the sector to explore the possibilities of AI responsibly in a local government context.

"This is about innovation with integrity - ensuring any use of AI is ethical, well governed and designed to support our people and enhance outcomes for residents", he said.

Bailey Abbott CEO Tom Carlton said the partnership demonstrated leadership in responsible AI adoption within local government.

"Local government is unique as the closest level of government to our community and we're proud to partner with councils to co-design AI solutions that are transparent, practical and grounded in public value," he said.

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