The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has raised the alarm about AI use in public service recruitment.
CPSU deputy secretary Rebecca Fawcett said the union had anecdotal reports of algorithmic selection processes favouring cover letters generated by other large language models (LLMs). A recent CPSU poll showed 85% of respondents were concerned about the use of AI in recruitment.
Speaking to the parliamentary inquiry into public sector AI use, Fawcett said these tools did a poor job of assessing candidate capability.
“The merit protection commissioner has noted issues with the application of the merit principle in selection processes involving AI,” she said.
“Where these processes have been used we are aware … [of] workers with a proven track record being rated unsuitable and ruled out for promotion or permanency.
“The use of AI to filter candidates in the recruitment process is inappropriate and should not be occurring.”
Human rights …