This article -- originally published February 14, 2025 -- is reprinted by permission of the authors and their firm, Sparke Helmore Lawyers. Their message reflects what their article title proports – to “treat every procurement (almost) as a procurement of AI” – in spite of certain risk potentials. How and why so?
Given the spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI) — and the recent cautious approach by the Australian Commonwealth and the various state and territory governments on the use of DeepSeek1 on government devices — agencies urgently need to take the following actions:
- Acknowledge that virtually every procurement will involve AI, even if it is not explicitly requested.
- Update procurement policies, documentation, and contracts to:
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- apply each ban (noting that additional bans may be introduced in the future), and
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- manage the risks associated with AI.
TO READ the rest of Robert’s and Stephen’s article in its entirety that also contains the Guide below, click on this link.
END NOTE
- DeepSeek website. See the definition appearing on AI Overview online, which states, “DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company that develops large language models (LLMs). DeepSeek's goal is to create AI technologies similar to ChatGPT and Gemini.”
See also Wikipedia explanation.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Robert Watson is a government procurement and probity specialist experienced in advising on complex acquisitions, technology and communication assets, and logistics. Most recently he has been looking at the impact of AI on procurement and probity.
Stephen Newman is as a corporate and commercial lawyer who also represented private clients in complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution matters before major courts and tribunals. Stephen’s experience covers many different industries and clients ranging from listed public companies to family businesses. Since joining Sparkes, Stephen has been using his skills and experience to advise the firm’s Government clients.
ABOUT SPARKE HELMORE LAWYERS
This award-winning firm covers six core areas of law—Commercial Insurance, Corporate & Commercial, Government, Property Environment & Finance, Statutory Lines Insurance and Workplace. Since 1882 Sparke Helmore Lawyers have been providing legal services to Australian businesses. That’s over 140 years of success through bringing experience and knowledge to their clients. “We are proudly Australian, and ours is a story of growth.”
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