Annual Report 2017–18: At a glance

An overview of the 2017–18 Annual Report.

[toc]

At a glance

Our work during the year

In 2017–18 we worked with stakeholders across government and industry to deliver simple, clear and fast digital government services, to build capability and to improve return on digital investments across government. 

Reporting on our performance

This report explains our work and achievements during 2017–18, in particular our performance against the purpose and priorities set for the year in our Corporate Plan 2017–21.

Purpose in 2017–18 

We accelerate the transformation of government by:

  • encouraging investment in digital services
  • helping to transform the user experience for people and business
  • improving the return on information and communications (ICT) and digital investment. 

Source: Corporate Plan 2017–21

Priorities in 2017–18

To help us achieve our purpose, we had five priorities: 

  • develop a digital transformation roadmap 
  • deliver and improve digital platforms 
  • oversee and advise on ICT and digital investment 
  • transform ICT procurement 
  • build Australian Public Service ICT and digital capability. 

Source: Corporate Plan 2017–21

2017–18 highlights

Digital transformation roadmap 

  • Began work on a digital transformation strategy and roadmap for the Commonwealth: 
    • canvassed views of 500 stakeholders in 30 agencies
    • developed specific transformation roadmaps for individuals and businesses 
    • assessed digital maturity of 28 agencies
  • Delivered Secure Cloud Strategy and Content Strategy 
  • Started work on whole-of-government platforms and hosting strategies

Digital platforms 

  • Updated Trusted Digital Identity Framework and released for public consultation 
  • Consulted with stakeholders and prepared to pilot GovPass digital identity ecosystem
  • Researched and began trialling prototypes of Notifications and Tell Us Once platforms  
  • Improved data.gov.au and National Map 

Return on investment 

  • Advised on proposals for new ICT and digital investment to check they:
    • aligned with government direction for digital services, procurement and improved returns
    • reduced risk by moving to smaller, more easily managed ICT projects 
  • Advice led to agencies considering whole-of-government services or infrastructure for shared capability instead of in-house systems
  • Monitored 84 projects valued at $7.76 billion: 
    • 63 per cent investing in major transformation—up from 58 per cent last year
  • Four whole-of-government platforms already delivering positive return on investment:
    • Secure Cloud Strategy and cloud.gov.au, Google Analytics, data.gov.au, National Map

Transform procurement

  • Delivered the ICT Procurement Taskforce report and began implementing recommendations—including working with government agencies to co-design Digital Sourcing Framework 
  • Total of 643 procurement opportunities published on the Digital Marketplace
    • $134 million in contracts, 74 per cent awarded to 171 SMEs 
  • Established new whole-of-government arrangements with IBM, SAP and Concur Holdings, started preparing whole-of-government arrangement with Oracle

Improve capability

  • Delivered training to more than 2000 public servants to increase ICT and digital capability
  • Placed 135 new people in 16 agencies through Digital Entry Level Programs
  • Published Design System framework and tools to improve government websites:
    • 186,000 components downloaded, 13 live projects using system

2017–18 performance summary

Priority 1: Develop a digital transformation roadmap

Success measure 1.1: Increase the proportion of services that are delivered digitally and improve the user experience.

Achieved. We provided advice on possible future investments and guidance on digital transformation priorities and areas where investment could drive high-value changes.

Success measure 1.2: Improve the user experience with existing digital services.

Achieved. We collected baseline data on high volume services and began work to improve user experience for life events that require access to government services.

Performance criteria: Develop a whole-of-government ICT strategy and digital transformation roadmap.

Partially achieved. We consulted widely to develop and circulate the alpha (first) draft of the strategy for comment. We also began updating the supporting Digital Transformation Roadmap and developed two sector-specific roadmaps for digital transformation for business and individuals over the next two years. 

Performance criteria: Develop and deliver a detailed DTA engagement plan that will be implemented around key initiatives. 

Partially achieved. Rather than developing an engagement plan around key initiatives, we improved our engagement approach with the flexibility to update our planning in line with the changing nature of our work. 
Priority 2: Deliver and improve digital platforms

Success measure 2.1: New whole-of-government digital platforms are developed to provide better infrastructure for government agencies.

Achieved. We produced alpha prototypes of new platforms related to government notifications and allowing people to tell government once about changes in their personal circumstances. We also began work on the federated data exchange and digital identity ecosystem.

Success measure 2.2: Improve return on investment for Government from digital platforms.

Achieved. Several platforms are already providing an improved return on investment, and we began compiling a baseline of platforms and identifying those in direct competition.

Success measure 2.3: Improve the user experience for myGov.

Achieved. We continued to improve the user experience for myGov.
Priority 3: Oversee and advise on ICT and digital investment

Success measure 3.1: Oversight of significant ICT and digital investments and recommendations provided to agencies to improve design, prioritisation and delivery of ICT projects.

Achieved. We reviewed and monitored significant projects, provided advice on new investments, assessed the wider digital investment portfolio, and directly engaged with agencies to help with design and set up major ICT projects for best success.

Performance criteria: Establish a whole-of-government ICT and digital program management office to design and build reporting requirements, improve governance, and risk management standards. Provide analysis and advice to government on ICT and digital investments. 

Achieved. We established an ICT and digital program management office, called the Digital Investment Management Office. We began regular data collection and provided targeted governance advice to agencies. 
Priority 4: Transform ICT and digital procurement 

Success measure 4.1: Greater value for money delivered on government ICT spend and improved procurement practices across government. 

Achieved. We delivered the ICT Procurement Taskforce report. We worked with agencies to co-design the Digital Sourcing Framework for ICT Procurement, increased competition through the Digital Marketplace, and established whole-of-government ICT arrangements.
Priority 5: Build Australian Public Service ICT and digital capability

Success measure 5.1: In partnership with the APSC, improve the digital capability of staff across the APS to better position government to develop and maintain quality digital services.

Achieved. We developed and delivered training to more than 2000 employees, developed learning standards, brought in fresh talent through Digital Entry Level Programs and published tools and guidance.  

Get in touch

If you have any questions you can send an email to info@dta.gov.au or call 02 6120 8707.