Australian Data and Digital Government Strategy

May 2023

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Strategies and Action Plans

The Data and Digital Government Strategy aims to transform the Australian Public Service (APS) into a world-class provider of digital services by 2030. The strategy focuses on creating simple, secure, and connected public services that are inclusive, accessible, and driven by cutting-edge data and digital technologies. Developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the public, advocacy groups, and industry, this strategy serves as a blueprint for leveraging digital advancements to meet the evolving needs of people and businesses.

Vision and key objectives

The strategy envisions delivering simple, secure, and connected public services for all people and businesses, leveraging world-class data and digital capabilities. It focuses on aligning government entities to five key missions:

  1. Delivering for all people and businesses.
  2. Simple and seamless services.
  3. Government for the future.
  4. Trusted and secure operations.
  5. Establishing strong data and digital foundations.

Strategic missions

  1. Delivering for all people and businesses:
    • Inclusion and accessibility: Ensures services are accessible for all, addressing the digital divide (e.g., regional communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
    • Co-design and engagement: Embeds co-design principles for user-centric services by involving stakeholders and community groups in decision-making.
    • Strengthening partnerships: Collaborates with private, public, and community sectors to develop innovative digital solutions.
  2. Simple and seamless services:
    • Digital by design: Creates user-friendly, intuitive government services with consistent and secure digital identity systems like the Digital ID.
    • Tell Us Once: Reduces administrative burden by enabling a single point of information submission for individuals interacting with government.
  3. Government for the future:
    • Emerging technologies: Leverages advancements like AI, quantum computing, and digital twins while ensuring ethical and secure implementations.
    • Modernised investments: Introduces innovative funding models and frameworks to prioritise scalable, interoperable technologies.
  4. Trusted and secure:
    • Building trust: Transparent data practices, including privacy safeguards and informed consent mechanisms.
    • Cybersecurity: Strengthens resilience against cyber threats through frameworks like the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
  5. Data and digital foundations:
    • Data as an asset: Treats data as a valuable resource, encouraging best practices for collection, management, and utilisation.
    • Workforce development: Builds a digitally-capable APS workforce with a focus on inclusion, diversity, and gender balance in digital roles.

Implementation framework

  • Governance: Mechanisms like the Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee and the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting ensure alignment across government entities.
  • Measurement: Introduces maturity assessment tools to track the progress of data and digital initiatives.
  • Enablers: Underpinned by people capability, governance, cybersecurity, and investment.

Success metrics

  • Increased accessibility and inclusion.
  • Safer, interoperable systems with robust privacy and security settings.
  • Enhanced evidence-based policy and decision-making.
  • Greater public trust and transparency in government services.

The Implementation Plan, updated annually, ensures continuous progress by providing specific actions, metrics, and scorecards to track the strategy’s impact.