Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW OF: AI IN PARLIAMENT 1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Bougainville House of Representatives recognizes the rapid global advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their increasing integration into various sectors, including governance and parliamentary operations. The referred bill, "AI in the Bougainville House of Representatives," signifies the House's proactive approach to understanding and regulating the use of AI within its own functions. This inquiry is established to conduct a comprehensive review of the implications, opportunities, and challenges associated with the adoption and regulation of AI within the Bougainville House of Representatives and, by extension, the broader governance framework of Bougainville. The purpose of this inquiry is to: • Provide the House with an objective and evidence-based understanding of AI's potential impact on parliamentary efficiency, legislative processes, and democratic principles. • Identify best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions regarding AI integration in parliamentary settings. • Examine the ethical, legal, security, and societal implications of AI use within the House. • Inform the deliberations on the referred bill, "AI in the Bougainville House of Representatives," by offering detailed recommendations for its content and implementation. • Develop a framework for the responsible and beneficial integration of AI technologies to enhance the work of the House and its committees. 2. SCOPE OF THE INQUIRY The Committee will inquire into and report on the following matters relating to AI in the Bougainville House of Representatives: • OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: The potential for AI to enhance administrative functions, research capabilities, document management, data analysis, and information retrieval for Members and parliamentary staff. • LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES: The application of AI in supporting bill drafting, legislative scrutiny, impact assessments, public consultation analysis, and the monitoring of policy implementation. • ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The ethical implications of AI use, including issues of bias, transparency, accountability, fairness, data privacy, and the protection of human rights. • SECURITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT: The identification and mitigation of security risks, such as data breaches, cyber threats, misinformation, and the potential for misuse of AI technologies. • CAPACITY BUILDING: The training and development needs for Members, parliamentary staff, and relevant government agencies to effectively understand, utilize, and oversee AI technologies. • INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES: A review of how other parliaments and legislative bodies globally are approaching the integration and regulation of AI, and lessons applicable to Bougainville. • IMPACT ON DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES: The potential effects of AI on public trust, citizen engagement, the role of elected representatives, and the integrity of democratic processes. • REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: Recommendations for a robust and adaptable regulatory framework for AI within the House, specifically addressing the provisions and scope of the referred bill, "AI in the Bougainville House of Representatives." • RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS: An assessment of the financial, human, and technological resources required for the effective and responsible implementation of AI within the House. 3. CONSULTATION PLAN The Committee will invite submissions and conduct hearings with a range of stakeholders, including but not limited to: • MEMBERS OF THE BOUGAINVILLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: To gather perspectives on their needs and concerns regarding AI. • PARLIAMENTARY ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF: Including the Clerk of Parliament, parliamentary researchers, IT department, and other relevant administrative units. • BOUGAINVILLE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS: Particularly those with expertise in technology, law, and public administration (e.g., Department of ICT, Attorney General's Office). • ACADEMIC EXPERTS: Specialists in Artificial Intelligence, computer science, law, ethics, public policy, and governance from universities and research institutions. • CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS: Groups focused on technology ethics, human rights, privacy, digital literacy, and democratic accountability. • PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES: Companies involved in AI development, deployment, and cybersecurity. • INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND EXPERTS: Representatives from parliamentary associations, inter-parliamentary bodies, or international experts with experience in AI governance in legislative contexts. • GENERAL PUBLIC: Through public notices inviting written submissions on the inquiry's terms of reference. 4. REPORTING TIMEFRAME The Committee shall present its final report and recommendations to the Bougainville House of Representatives by Friday, 29 November 2024.