We recognise that all adults share the responsibility of preventing exploitation and abuse, so the DTA requires the commitment, support and cooperation of all individuals who help deliver our services.

As a Commonwealth government agency, the DTA is committed to the whole-of-government Commonwealth Child Safe Framework (CCSF) under which the DTA is required to publish an annual statement of compliance. 

The DTA plays a central role in driving the Australian Government’s digital transformation by providing digital and ICT strategy and policy leadership, investment advice, strategic sourcing and delivery oversight. The DTA currently has no activities or functions where DTA staff would interact with children and young people.

The DTA’s 2024 annual a child safe risk assessment determined the risk of harm and abuse to children is ‘low’. A review of child safety risks in 2024 within the DTA identified there are infrequent occasions which might bring staff in contact with children and young people in the workplace. Guidance is also in place to ensure staff members who bring their children to the workplace ensure they are always accompanied by a parent or guardian.

With the DTA adopting flexible work arrangements parents and carers can now work remotely, further reducing the likelihood of this occurrence. Accordingly, the DTA considers the child safety risk rating remains ‘low.’

DTA staff may come into contact with children and young people oversees during official visits to our partner nation’s equivalent offices. DTA staff preparing to travel overseas are required to review documents outlining their duties and responsibilities, including compliance with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Child Protection Policy, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct for Overseas Service. 

Under requirement 2 of the Framework, to raise awareness and understanding the DTA offers staff optional training on the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework through our on-line learning and development system. Based on the nature of our business DTA staff do not require working with Children Checks; however, all DTA staff undergo reference checks, police checks and are required to hold a minimum Baseline security clearance. 

Whilst many of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations do not apply based on the nature of our business, we support the spirit of the principles and openly encourage awareness and mindfulness amongst our staff that child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We will further strengthen our practices to:

• establish and embed processes under the DTA’s risk management framework to conduct risk assessments in line with CCSF annually.
• embed child safety and wellbeing in our leadership, culture and governance.

Through the above listed measures, to the extent relevant the DTA, complies with the 4 requirements of the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework.