The Australian government has recently introduced a draft Data and Digital Government Strategy, signalling its commitment to transforming the use of data and digital innovation within the public sector.
The strategy aims to combine digital and data policies under a coordinated framework. It also invites stakeholders to provide feedback and comments before its finalisation.
Draft strategy: Path to transformation
The Draft Strategy builds upon previous efforts by the government to reform the Australian Public Service (APS). This also aims to harness the potential of data and digital technologies. It combines separate strategies for digital and data, establishing a comprehensive vision to deliver simple, secure, and connected public services through world-class capabilities by 2030.
The APS is the government agency responsible for public administration oversight. It covers policy development, regulation and compliance, and data analysis across multiple government sectors like health, finance, education, and transportation.
An Implementation Plan will follow, providing specific details on productivity improvements. it also targets specific service delivery enhancements and measurable timeframes to ensure accountability.
The Draft Strategy acknowledges both the opportunities for innovative change and the barriers that must be addressed. This recognises the increasing importance of data and digital technologies in government activities.
One identified challenge is the skills shortage within the APS. This highlights the need for enhanced training and recruitment strategies. The strategy also emphasises intergovernmental collaboration and the development of an interoperable architecture as measures of success.
Action missions
The Draft Strategy outlines five action missions that will guide its implementation:
Delivering for all people and business
The strategy aims to foster a culture of innovation and data sharing between APS, state and territory governments, and other users. This will enable the prediction of service needs, improve user experiences, and increase operational efficiencies. The success of this mission hinges on shifting away from siloed departmental responsibility and promoting the benefits of collaboration.
Simple and seamless services
By adopting a ‘digital by design’ approach, the Government aims to provide policies and services in a streamlined manner. A ‘tell us once’ approach to data collection and use will reduce redundancy and enhance the user experience. Emulating the private sector’s focus on simplicity and seamlessness is crucial to delivering efficient government services.
Government for the future
The strategy advocates for proactive adoption and domestic/international partnerships. This ensures the government remains at the forefront of emerging technologies. This mission promotes establishing security and ethical standards. It also acknowledges the importance of cultural transformation within the APS and potential regulatory reforms.
Trusted and secure
Building and maintaining public trust in the government’s use of data and digital technologies is central to the strategy. Transparency, rigorous data security measures, and responsible data utilisation will be critical in earning and retaining public confidence.
Data and digital foundations
The strategy recognises the challenge of attracting and retaining a highly skilled APS workforce in the data and digital domain. The government aims to develop innovative recruitment, training, and retention strategies. This is done to compete with the private sector as an employer of choice for these in-demand skills.
The Australian government’s release of the Data and Digital Government Strategy highlights its commitment to leveraging data. This also shows it focus towards digital technologies to transform public services, especially with its current AI tech investment. The Draft Strategy is open for consultation, welcoming feedback from the APS, state, territory governments, the private sector, and the community until 25 July 2023. In addition, the government seeks input on the accompanying Implementation Plan. This is to ensure comprehensive and effective execution of the strategy’s objectives.