In July 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) published the Digital Experience Policy. Coming into effect 1 January 2025, it will mandate 3 new standards for digital inclusion, access, and performance of new government websites. The new standards add to the Digital Service Standard which came into effect on 1 July 2024.

The DTA has also published a digital experience toolkit to help agencies and their delivery partners meet these standards, as well as the pre-existing digital service standard.

Combined, the policy and standards set out what users should expect when using government websites or digital services, and sets the bar for agencies to exceed when developing their own resources.

Here’s what each standard will deliver for people and business across Australia.

Catering for every user

The Digital Inclusion Standard sets out that government’s digital services should be designed to foster inclusion, accessibility for all and ensures those who need them most aren't left behind.

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher emphasised the importance of user-friendly digital services in her media release on 25 July 2024 stating, ‘we want to ensure that all our websites and apps work well and are simple to use.’ [1]

Easy movement between services

Plenty of people have experienced the back-and-forth of trying to find the right website to access government services. The Digital Access Standard requires agencies to reduce duplication, minimise the number of access points and make it easy to navigate to information and between different services.

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher highlighted the need for accessible government services by saying, ‘We want to make sure that all Australians, no matter their tech skills, can easily access government services online without stress." 1

Delivering at the time you need it

Finally, the Digital Performance Standard makes measurement, monitoring and improvement of government’s digital services the standard. It will ensure they remain online and high quality, and evolve to meet the changing needs of the people they’re designed to serve.

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher underscored the goal of improving government services for all Australians with the new standards by saying, ‘These new standards will help us improve government services for the benefit of all Australians." ¹

A full suite of digital standards

These 3 new standards will join the Digital Service Standard, which was refreshed for the first time in 2023. This original standard sets the requirements for how government agencies design and deliver their digital services.

As the Australian Government launches new websites and digital services, people can expect an increasingly consistent, accessible and high-quality experience. This will expand to include some existing services in July 2025.

There’s ample support for agencies preparing their websites and services, as well as their delivery partners. Visit the digital experience homepage on digital.gov.au to explore the policy, standards, supporting guides and toolkit.

If you would like more information, or have any other questions relating to digital standards, please contact us at standard@dta.gov.au.

The Digital Transformation Agency is the Australian Government's adviser for the development, delivery and monitoring of whole-of-government strategies, policies and standards, for digital and ICT investments and procurement. 

[1] NEW STANDARDS FOR GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND DIGITAL SERVICES