The APS Review presented at the end of last year made it clear that embracing data and digital technology presents a significant opportunity for the APS – to deliver better quality and more personalised services for Australians, and enabling staff to focus on higher-value work.
The Review reminded us that while Australians are among the fastest adaptors of new technology, the APS has room to improve: 58 per cent of APS agencies said they were under-skilled in the digital aspects of delivering for the Australian people.
At this time, we are enduring one of the most challenging periods our Department, the APS, and Australia has seen. It is clear that expanding our skillset to harness the full power of technology – and doing it in a way that supports and promotes trust in government – is an imperative.
During this period we have been reminded of the importance of the need for our ICT systems and processes to be as strong and streamlined as possible. We also need to approach all government capabilities from a whole of enterprise viewpoint, and ensure we are disciplined in our use, reuse and enhancement of assets.
As the APS moves ahead with its Reform agenda, it is important to me that PM&C plays its part in meeting this technological challenge, and transforming it into an opportunity.
From my view across Government, I see how critical it is that PM&C models best practice ICT, for the benefit of the agencies we provide ICT services to, and the Australian public we serve.
Responding to shifting circumstances with agility and within a complex and evolving cyber security environment demands a clear-headed strategy, one that enables valuable, resilient and secure digital assets as well as intelligent and trusted services and advice.
This ICT Strategy will guide PM&C’s investment decisions, approaches and practices through to 2023.
It outlines our four key ICT leadership aspirations: that everything we do has the customer in focus; that our ICT systems and services rest on flexible, scalable and efficient foundations; that our assets are secure, resilient, reliable and reusable; and that we have confident digital capabilities.
By setting ourselves up to evolve and adapt, we will be well-positioned to not only serve the Government of the day, but also maintain the public's confidence that we are doing our best, with the best tools available, in their best interests.
Phil
