The Commonwealth has committed in the Budget an additional $70.1 million over four years to drive the second stage of its digital transformation agenda.
The focus will be on easier access for all Australians to digital government services.
In October 2016, the government announced an expanded role for the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) to have greater oversight of Government IT projects and provide advice to departments and agencies.
Funding of $33.6 million over three years from the Modernisation Fund will enable the DTA to build and deliver new whole-of-government digital platforms that can be reused across government.
Four pilot services and platforms will be delivered, including Tell Us Once, building on the government’s election commitment to provide Australians with secure control of their personal information. Australians will only need to update their details once when dealing with different parts of government, and will benefit from notifications services, allowing them to nominate their preferred channel for contact, such as email or text.
New services and platforms will also improve and simplify government digital payment methods and improve data sharing between government agencies.
Building digital capability across the public service will remain a key focus for the government with $13.9 million to be invested over three years to attract, build and retain digital talent, develop digital leadership skills, and create digital training standards.
Funding of $10.7 million over four years will support the creation of a new cyber security advisory function within the DTA. The DTA will work with agencies to ensure they are appropriately managing the risks of cyber and other digital vulnerabilities on important and high profile digital services.
In addition, $15.2 million will enable government agencies to deliver the second stage of the Govpass program, including a platform to allow Australians to identify themselves easily and safely when using government online services.
The Govpass program will build on or reuse platforms that already provide identity products, such as myGov and VANGuard, and aims to address the challenges confronting people and businesses wanting to access government services.
Funding of $1.5 million over three years will allow the DTA’s Digital Investment Management Office to provide oversight of new ICT and digital projects supported through the government’s Modernisation Fund.
The Turnbull government is determined to ensure that its ICT and digital investments are efficient and deliver real benefits.