Beyond Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness for the Australian Public Service

82% of executives say risk management is their biggest AI strategy challenge for the rest of 2025, while 64% of organisations already manage at least 1 PB of data, increasing the complexity of securing and governing AI-ready information.

What's Inside

APS entities are at a turning point: moving past AI experimentation toward sustainable, secure Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption. This eBook unpacks what that shift requires, grounded in the results of the Australian Government's own Microsoft 365 Copilot trial. Inside, you'll find:

• Key outcomes from the Australian Government’s six‑month Copilot trial, including productivity and quality gains from early adopters.
• The three pillars for sustainable Copilot adoption – risk management and mitigation, data classification and management, and analytics for AI optimisation – with clear actions for compliance with Australia’s PSPF, IRAP, and ASCS ISM, among others.
• A concise roadmap for closing AI literacy and governance gaps while driving productivity across government operations. 

What You'll Learn

• Identify the AI risks and governance gaps most likely to affect APS entities as Copilot adoption scales.
• Apply shared accountability and business classification models to keep sensitive government data secure and AI-ready.
• Implement lifecycle management practices that reduce oversharing, storage costs, and compliance risk.
• Leverage analytics to track Copilot usage, measure ROI, and target user training where it's needed most.

Move From AI Readiness to Secure, Sustainable Copilot Adoption

Risk management, data classification, and analytics form the foundation for sustainable AI adoption across the APS. Discover the full framework and practical actions to strengthen governance and maximise the value of Microsoft 365 Copilot — supported by the AvePoint Confidence Platform at every stage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Microsoft 365 Copilot readiness mean for the Australian Public Service?

  For APS entities, Copilot readiness means having the data governance, security controls, and compliance alignment in place to scale Microsoft 365 Copilot safely. That includes alignment with frameworks such as the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre Information Security Manual (ACSC ISM). Readiness is only the starting point. Sustainable adoption depends on how well these foundations are kept up as AI use grows. 

• What are the three pillars of sustainable Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption?  

  The three pillars are risk management and mitigation, data classification and management, and analytics for AI optimisation. They work together. Gaps in one pillar can weaken Copilot's security, output quality, or measurable ROI. 

• How does AvePoint support secure Copilot adoption for APS entities? 

  The AvePoint Confidence Platform extends Microsoft 365 with automated governance, information lifecycle management, sensitive data visibility, and Copilot analytics designed to help APS entities as AI use expands.