How We Think

The March 2025 update to the Digital Transformation Agency’s AI Model Clauses represents a timely and essential advancement in the Australian Government’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) procurement. As AI becomes integral to delivering services, guiding decision-making, and streamlining internal operations, these clauses offer essential legal and ethical frameworks for responsible adoption.

You know the drill: "Don't trust AI," they say. "It's grabbing all your data. Nothing's safe." I've heard it too. And whilst I have wondered about the veracity of people's claims, I've never looked into it myself to confirm - up until now.

Without considering the worldwide market for ERPs, agency personnel have ended up not knowing what good looks like.

Imagine this. You’re at a barbeque. And someone asks – So, who’s your CDMO? You say – Our what? What’s a CDMO? Your new BBQ mate says – Ah… CDMO stands for Chief Data Minimisation Officer. Doesn’t your company have one? You respond – Ah, no... So, what exactly does your CDMO do? With a bemused look, your BBQ friend replies – Well, they manage our data assets, review data inventories and ensure that any data, if it hits its use-by-date, gets destroyed, or temporarily stored in low-cost encrypted platforms. 

This article explores how AI could reshape the role of the procurement professional—not by replacing them, but by expanding their purpose. We consider three possible shifts: the evolution of procurement as a strategic function, the partnership between humans and machines, and the challenge of embedding ethics and trust in AI-enabled processes.

At Synergy Group, we’re known for delivering impactful solutions to government. Our 25-year legacy is underpinned by bringing in consultants with deep domain expertise. Mark Bainbridge, a Partner in our Melbourne office, is the perfect example of our people having a strong grasp on the sector in which they are working. Before stepping into consultancy, Mark spent his career in the Australian Army, climbing the ranks to become a distinguished military leader in the special forces.