The Australian Government aims to provide simple, secure, and connected public services to all people and businesses through world-class digital and data capabilities.
This core aim was materialised in the latest Data and Digital Government Strategy in late 2023. Produced by the APS (Australian Public Service Commission), its vision extends until 2030. In short, the Digital Government Strategy aims to improve government services through data and digital technology - by providing simple, secure, connected public services for all people and businesses through world-class data and digital capabilities. The government plans to become advanced and proactive, using cutting-edge technology and a connected environment.
Background to Digital Government Strategy
They wish to embrace emerging technologies like cloud offerings to enable scalability, continuous improvement, innovation, and rapid prototyping. Due to the pandemic, the private sector pivoted to digital delivery, leading to more personalised services and increased public trust in digital services. This resulted in people expecting a similar user experience from government services.
The government's digital strategy reflects the urgency of digitising government services. It is committed to a modern public service that prioritises people and businesses at the centre of its data and digital transformation.
Core Objectives
Its five core objectives include -
Delivering for all people and businesses (by 2030, the government aims to use data and technology to provide connected, accessible services centred around people’s and business needs).
Simple and seamless services
Government for the future
Trusted and secure
Data and digital foundations
The Digital Government Strategy also shows a strong commitment to:
Supporting connectivity
Digital literacy
Service design
Data sharing to address the digital divide, especially for those residing in regional and remote areas.
The Australian Government aims to ensure that digital services are designed to cater to those needs and support the digital aspirations of every citizen.
Digital Government Strategy
The 2030 Data and Digital Government Strategy is designed to act as a blueprint for delivering simple, secure, and connected public services to citizens and businesses through world-class data and digital capabilities.
It was created to address various issues and concerns, including cybersecurity, privacy, and workforce capability. The CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency (DTO) has said that this new strategy will be accompanied by an implementation plan establishing transparent, whole-of-government scorecards for progress tracking.
In summary, the strategy sets out the Australian Government's vision to deliver simple, secure, and connected public services to all citizens and businesses through world-class data and digital capabilities.
Data and Digital Government
Australia aims to become one of the world's top three digital governments by 2025 to benefit all Australians.
The government is committed to prioritising the needs of both businesses and individuals, utilising advanced technology to create a personalised, secure, and reliable experience. The objective is to establish Australia as a global leader in digital government.
World Class Data
Digital government transformation is crucial to meet the expectations of modern citizens. Estonia has advanced digital identity solutions that enable its citizens to access government services securely and efficiently across various platforms.
The Australian Public Service (APS) is working hard to enhance its digital and data capabilities and ensure seamless government operations by 2030. The APS is committed to transparent data and digital system management, treating data as a valuable national asset while protecting it and ensuring its proper use.
It also creates a workforce that understands digital and data to achieve its goals. It appoints senior leaders responsible for data, educates staff on data importance, adopts best practices in data collection and use, and incorporates data management and stewardship approaches. The 2030 vision includes delivering simple, secure, and connected public services through world-class data and digital capabilities for all people and businesses.
Why Is This Important?
Digital services are becoming the primary means for the government to interact with the public. When designed and delivered effectively, these services can strengthen public confidence in the government. However, the laws and regulations in Australia are only sometimes current with the rapidly evolving digital technologies and their applications. Government entities are also subject to a range of legislation that govern their data collection, use and sharing.
The enablers are the fundamental components supporting the success of the government's strategy, and they are indispensable for achieving its vision.
Government Digital Transformation in Action
By setting ambitious goals for 2030 and leveraging world-class data and digital capabilities, the government aims to become a global leader in digital government. The strategy's emphasis on continuous improvement, innovation, and the adoption of emerging technologies like cloud offerings reflects a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of modern society.
The pivotal role of digital literacy, service design, and data sharing in bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusivity is commendable. The commitment to co-design with the wider community and prioritise citizen and business needs demonstrates a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to digital government.
As we navigate the digital era, we must recognise the importance of transparent data management, cybersecurity, and responsible technology use. The strategy's focus on building a capable workforce, promoting gender diversity, and fostering public trust through ethical data practices sets a positive trajectory for Australia's digital government future.
In essence, the Digital Government Strategy heralds a new era of streamlined, secure, and citizen-centric digital government services. It serves as a blueprint for harnessing the power of technology to create positive outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. This comprehensive approach aligns with the evolving digital government definition and exemplifies the transformative potential of government digital transformation.
If you’re searching for inspiration to drive digital innovation in your own business or would like to see an example of digital transformation benefiting businesses, contact our digital transformation consultants.
The Takeaway
The Digital Government Strategy unveiled by the Australian Government represents a significant leap forward in delivering efficient, accessible, and user-centric government digital services to citizens and businesses.
The strategy's core objectives - simplicity, security, connectivity, and strong data foundations, underscore the government's commitment to embracing digital government transformation for the benefit of all Australians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital governance strategy?
A digital governance strategy is a structured approach governments adopt to manage, utilise, and govern digital technologies and data within their operations and services. It encompasses policies, regulations, frameworks, and initiatives to leverage digital tools and data to improve governance, service delivery, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. This strategy often involves government digital transformation, which integrates digital technologies into all aspects of government functions and services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
What is meant by digital government?
Digital government, also known as e-government, refers to the use of digital technologies by government entities, such as the internet, mobile devices, and data analytics, to deliver services, interact with citizens, enhance operational efficiency, and promote transparency. It involves digitalising government processes, communications, and transactions to make them more accessible, convenient, and effective for citizens and stakeholders. A common digital government definition is using electronic platforms and tools to improve government operations and service delivery.
What is the Australian Government's digital identity?
The Australian Government's digital identity is a secure and trusted system that allows individuals to prove their identity online when accessing government services and conducting transactions. It provides a digital credential that can be used across multiple government agencies and services, reducing the need for multiple logins and authentication processes.
Which is the most advanced digital government in the world?
Estonia is often regarded as the most advanced digital government in the world due to its pioneering efforts in implementing digital technologies and services across various sectors. Despite its relatively small population and GDP compared to other countries, Estonia has achieved significant milestones in digital governance, earning recognition for its innovative approaches and comprehensive digital infrastructure.
Estonia's digital government strategy revolves around the principles of e-governance, which involves providing secure digital services to citizens, businesses, and government entities. Key elements of Estonia's digital government include:
Digital ID: Estonia offers its citizens secure digital ID cards that enable them to access a wide range of online services. This digital identity system is central to Estonia's digital governance framework.
X-Road Platform: Estonia's X-Road platform is a secure data exchange backbone that facilitates interoperability and data sharing among government agencies, ensuring efficient service delivery and information flow.
E-Residency Program: Estonia's e-Residency program allows non-residents to establish and manage businesses online.
Estonian Information System Authority (RIA): RIA plays a crucial role in overseeing Estonia's digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data protection efforts, ensuring the reliability and security of digital services.
Digital Literacy: Estonia places a strong emphasis on digital literacy and education so that citizens can effectively use digital tools and services.
Overall, Estonia's digital government initiatives have transformed the country into a leading digital society regardless of its GDP or population size.
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