The Australian Government is harnessing innovative investment models and emerging technology to create a future-ready data and digital portfolio.
The Data and Digital Government Strategy (the Strategy) sets the 2030 vision to 'deliver simple, secure and connected public services, for all people and business, through world class data and digital capabilities.'
When the strategy was developed, consultation revealed cross-sector support for building sovereign capability and considering contemporary investment models.
To be future ready, government needs to innovate with emerging technologies if it's to keep up with technological change. That said, it has to do so in a safe, ethical and transparent way.
That's why 'government for the future' is one of 5 missions in the Data and Digital Government Strategy. It envisions an Australian Public Service (APS) with a modernised approach to investment and adoption of emerging technologies.
The APS is laying the groundwork to drive safe adoption of new forms of technology, such as AI (artificial intelligence), and implementing future-ready digital investment.
Strong policy to underpin AI in government
In 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) finalised its whole-of-government trial of Copilot for Microsoft 365. It was one of the largest trials of generative AI in a workplace worldwide, involving over 5,000 staff across 60 government agencies. An evaluation of the trial found that almost 70% of participants agreed that Copilot improved the speed at which they finished tasks.
'The Copilot trial is just one example of how agencies are exploring where AI can benefit their work', explains Lucy Poole, General Manager of the Strategy, Planning and Performance division.
'To help them do so in a safe, transparent and effective way, we have released and continue to develop policies and frameworks, including the cross-APS Policy for the responsible use of AI in government.'
These include the Australian Government's upcoming AI technical standards and AI assurance framework, the latter aligning to Australia's National framework for the assurance of AI in government.
Together, these policies ensure agencies maintain rigorous and transparent standards for how they use AI, which is critical for maintaining the public's trust in government's adoption of emerging technologies.
New approaches to digital investment
As demonstrated by generative AI, technology can evolve quickly and agencies must consider their approach to digital planning and investment.
The government is exploring new ways to respond to this fast-changing environment through models like the Digital and ICT Investment Oversight Framework (IOF) and new digital investment plans.
From 1 July 2025, government agencies must complete a digital investment plan across short, medium and long-term horizons. These plans will help agencies assess and plan their digital investments while contributing to an APS-wide view of emerging priorities and informing whole-of-government decision-making.
When the time comes to procure, both government buyers and industry sellers will benefit from a refreshed BuyICT.gov.au, which brings together the Digital Marketplace 2.0 and ICT procurement guidance under a flexible, easy-to-navigate experience.
'The APS needs to be a competitive, attractive market for vendors seeking business opportunities,' said Ms Poole. 'The new Digital Marketplace Panel 2.0 ensures those opportunities are easy to find, submit to and receive feedback on - for both vendors and agencies.'
Since its release, BuyICT.gov.au has prioritised investments with small Australian businesses, awarding $16.27B in contracts to small and medium enterprises.
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The 2024 Implementation Plan highlights foundational work toward the 'Government for the future' mission.
Each of the above initiatives and plenty more shape a digital government that's measured, trustworthy and ready for the future.
Explore the 2024 Implementation Plan in full, the Government for the future mission or FAQs about the strategy.
