Creating the conditions for digital projects to succeed depends on insights from across in-flight projects being captured effectively at the centre of government. With the benefit of recent reforms, the Australian Government is now one of only a handful of governments in the world that has a deep level of cross-government understanding of its digital projects. This understanding has directly shaped recent improvements which are already delivering results – and we’re just getting started.  

“Working from the centre of government, the DTA is driving a step-change in how digital projects are designed and delivered. Our unique vantage point means we can look across all digital projects and target improvements where they will have the greatest impact” outlines Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Transformation Agency.  

These improvements include the new Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) program launching in early 2025 following a successful pilot last year. This program will equip leaders with the capabilities required to navigate the complexities and challenges associated with delivering major digital projects to meet the needs of Australians.  

They also include work to strengthen benefits management practices across projects through the new Benefits Management Policy. This work is key to ensuring that digital projects stay focused on what must go right to succeed. 

In early 2025, the DTA will commence annual reporting on major digital projects. These annual reports will provide an update on the status of major digital projects as well as explain how we’re working to create the conditions they need to succeed through ongoing reforms and improvements. These reforms and improvements reflect a combination of getting the basic disciplines of project planning, governance and assurance right as well as strengthening the capability of the public service to design and deliver successful digital projects.  

Enquiries on this work may be directed to portfolio.assurance@dta.gov.au. 

The Digital Transformation Agency is responsible for providing confidence that fit for purpose assurance arrangements are implemented for all in-scope digital projects. Our Assurance Framework has been developed to support the successful implementation of digital projects.