Two-thirds of Victorian councils have incomplete or non-existent AI governance frameworks in place, says a report. Drawing on survey responses from more than 300 local government officers across 75 councils, the report – released by law firm Maddocks – highlights the growth in AI adoption across the sector while also revealing that governance isn’t keeping up with usage. Currently, AI use in local government remains predominantly focused on everyday tasks, says the report. Kate Oliver (supplied)“The message from the survey is clear: AI is already here, and councils are using it,” Kate Oliver, Victorian local government sector leader at Maddocks, said. Key recommendations include:developing clear AI strategiesestablishing governance frameworksimplementing training programsstrengthening procurement oversightimproving communication with staff“The next phase of AI adoption is not simply more AI use – it’s better governed and better targeted AI use,” said Oliver.