Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy

2012 - 2015

ISBN 978-1-922096-17-3 Creative Commons With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted, this document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, and the rights explicitly granted below, all rights are reserved. You are free to copy, distribute and transmit the work as long as you attribute the authors. You may not use this work for commercial purposes. You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work. Except where otherwise noted, any reference to, reuse or distribution of all or part of this report must include the following attribution: Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015, Copyright Australian Government 2012.

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Contents

Secretarys foreword.....................................................................................................................4 Executive summary.......................................................................................................................5 The Strategy.........................................................................................................................................5 Priority areas.......................................................................................................................................6 Implementation...................................................................................................................................7 Why we need an ICT strategy........................................................................................................8 What this strategy addresses............................................................................................................8 Delivering on expectations.................................................................................................................9 Driving productivity..............................................................................................................................9 Recent developments in the Governments use and management of ICT...................................11 Emerging opportunitiesa platform for transformation..............................................................12 The Strategy...................................................................................................................................14 Achieving this strategy........................................................................................................................14 1. Deliver better services..............................................................................................................15 What the future looks like...................................................................................................................15 How we know we have succeeded....................................................................................................15 Strategic action one: Building capability..........................................................................................16 Strategic action two: Improving services.........................................................................................17 2. Improve the efficiency of government operations...................................................................19 What the future looks like...................................................................................................................19 How we know we have succeeded....................................................................................................19 Strategic action three: Investing optimally.......................................................................................20 Strategic action four: Encouraging innovation.................................................................................21 3. Engage openly............................................................................................................................24 What the future looks like...................................................................................................................24 How we know we have succeeded....................................................................................................24 Strategic action five: Creating knowledge........................................................................................25 Strategic action six: Collaborating effectively..................................................................................26 Implementation governance.........................................................................................................28 Timeframe............................................................................................................................................28 Governance..........................................................................................................................................28 Agencies...............................................................................................................................................29 Australian Government Information Management Office.............................................................29 The implementation plan..............................................................................................................31 Success indicators 2012-2015......................................................................................................37 Endnotes........................................................................................................................................40

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Secretarys foreword

As Chair of the Secretaries ICT Governance Board (SIGB), and as part of SIGBs role to set whole-of-Government strategies on the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) across the Australian Public Service (APS), I have pleasure in releasing the Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015 (the Strategy). ICT plays a critical role in delivering and transforming the operations of government. This Strategy outlines the benefits that we expect will arise from a strategic and coordinated approach to developing and using ICT. It positions the APS to respond to rapid technological change. The priorities and actions identified in the Strategy will position the Australian Government to use ICT in new, creative and innovative ways to deliver better, easier to use services in ways that best meet peoples needs and expectations. The Strategy outlines how APS agencies will continue to use ICT to drive better service delivery, improve government operations, drive productivity, and to engage with people, the community and business. It supports better, more accessible government services for people when, where and how it suits them, so they can be more productive. In developing and implementing this Strategy it is my intention to maintain and enhance the Australian Government as a world leader in the use of ICT. The SIGB will review the Strategy on a regular basis to ensure that it remains relevant to Government priorities and to the opportunities provided by advances in ICT.

David Tune PSM Secretary Department of Finance and Deregulation

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Executive summary
ICT has profoundly changed almost all aspects of society. It is now central to how people communicate, interact, make decisions and do business. This includes the way governments operate and deliver services. ICT plays a key role in social and economic transformation. It makes possible the transformation of government services, its business operations and enables open engagement with communities. Possibilities created by current and emerging technologies have also influenced and raised our expectations for dealing with government. The Strategy sets the direction for the use of ICT into the future. It identifies how we will realise the future we aspire to in 2015 excellent delivery of government services to people and more efficient government operations that will enhance productivity in government and more widely through using the National Broadband Network (NBN) and other information technologies.

The Strategy
The Strategy statement is:
The APS will use ICT to increase public sector and national productivity by enabling the delivery of better government services for the Australian people, communities and business, improving the efficiency of APS operations and supporting open engagement to better inform decisions.

The Strategy is built on a vision that our interactions with people, businesses and the community will occur seamlessly as part of everyday life. People will easily access and automatically receive a range of services streamlined from across government and tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Decisions will be better informed through truly open, interactive government to support sustainable, vibrant communities. Individuals, communities, business, not-for-profits and the APS will collaborate more closely with all actively involved in the conversation and in co-designing innovative and location-aware government policies and services. Efficient government operations deliver more integrated, responsive and targeted information and services. Individuals, communities and business spend less time and effort interacting with government, freeing up their time and resources for more productive activities. Mobile devices and other new technologies offer people new ways to be more productive personally. Equally, through new applications and technology solutions that match their needs, business has opportunities to drive and increase organisational productivity.

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Executive summary
The global connectedness arising from technology creates opportunities for Australias participation in new economies, to be a leader in exploiting technology for national growth through the NBN and to be a preferred destination for new enterprises. The Strategy identifies actions to be taken between 2012 and 2015 to continue the release of government data for wider use, to share information and knowledge resources and unlock further economic and social value.

Priority areas
To increase productivity, the Strategy identifies strategic actions in three priority areas. These are: 1. Deliver better servicesmore effective use of ICT delivers improved productivity and streamlined, high quality government services that are personalised, easy-to-use and can be linked to other services. To realise this outcome we are:

. building capabilityimproving ICT knowledge, skills and capacity across the APS to deliver more efficient, effective and improved services . improving servicesusing ICT to simplify and join together services that government
provides to individuals and businesses, while ensuring security and privacy. 2.

Improve the efficiency of government operationsmore innovative and strategic use of ICT ensures greater value and more effective policy delivery that takes advantage of technologyenabled opportunities. To realise this outcome we are:

. investing optimallytargeting and coordinating ICT investment and sharing resources and services to deliver the greatest value and improve efficiency and effectiveness . encouraging innovationharnessing the full potential of the digital economy and
new technologies to promote innovative ideas and take-up of technology-enabled improvements. 3.

Engage openlymore active involvement of all stakeholders builds knowledge, sparks ideas and growth, and better informs decisions and solutions that meet local needs. To realise this outcome we are:

. creating knowledgegenerating, sharing, managing and more effectively using

. collaborating effectivelystrengthening networks, creating partnerships and using

a variety of technologies to involve the wider community in developing policy and informing service delivery.

information to improve decision-making, drive economic growth and tailor services and policies to local needs

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Executive summary

Implementation
The following diagram depicts the strategic actions and projects within the three priority areas of the Strategy.

Increased Public Sector and National Productivity

DELIVER BETTER SERVICES

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

ENGAGE OPENLY

Building capability

Improving services

Investing optimally

Encouraging innovation

Creating knowledge

Collaborating effectively

Improve use of existing technology capability Integrate technology with policy development and delivery Improve government program delivery capability Develop ICT workforce skills

Deliver simple and easy to use online services Deliver more personalised services Simplify government websites Increase the automation of services

Improve investment governance and information Ensure wholeof-government ICT investment Extend coordinated ICT procurement Share computing resources and services

Open up ICT development to foster innovation

Build business intelligence

Use location Deliver new aware and better ICT information enabled services Develop tools Increase and platforms awareness and to analyse data early take-up of Release new ICT public sector Examine and adopt new and emerging technologies more rapidly information

Strengthen external collaboration networks Build collaboration capability across government Build the channels needed for government to collaborate

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Why we need an ICT strategy

ICT has radically changed many aspects of society over the past 40 years. It is now an integral part of everyday life. We are more connected, more often and from more locations. Vast amounts of information and diverse opinions are literally at our fingertips. People rely on a range of technologies to communicate, interact, inform decisions, and to provide and receive services and products. Technological developments have increased personal, business and national productivity. ICT has also become fundamental to how the government operates. Government use of ICT affects all Australians. People and businesses benefit from simpler, easier-to-use and quicker interactions with government. The use of ICT-related opportunities is integral to developing government policies and services. ICT offers new ways to design, develop and deliver services, automate existing services, and more effectively consult and engage with a broader range of stakeholders. Ongoing and rapid changes in the technology landscape include increasing business use of technology originally developed for personal use. Other developments include the unparalleled spread and influence of social media and the increased use of mobile services, broadband and cloud computing. Such changes can profoundly influence government and industry choices about investing in ICT and delivering government services. The Strategy provides an implementation plan for the future to guide service delivery strategies, ICT investment for government and contributes to efficient government operations.

What this strategy addresses

The Strategy outlines how the APS will use ICT to transform their operations and services to achieve policy objectives. To date, government use of ICT has been largely agency-focused. The recent ICT Reform Program and coordinated ICT procurement arrangements have improved integration, cooperation and transparency. Now it is time to take the next step towards greater productivity and more streamlined interaction within the APS and between government, people and business1. More visibility of ICT design and investment intentions between APS agencies is desirable. Decisions to acquire or upgrade ICT systems should consider the broader implications for services to people, business and the APS. This Strategy supports the Governments broader policy objectives and major programs of work, including focusing on productivity growth, use of the NBN, the National Digital Economy Strategy, Service Delivery Reform, environmental sustainability, health and education reform, and APS Reform.

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Why we need an ICT strategy

The Strategy refocuses the Governments ICT priority to improving productivity. Productivity is about achieving outcomes in new or better ways. It is also about simplifying or ceasing processes that are inefficient. Reducing the compliance burden, the time it takes people, communities and business to interact with government, frees up time for us all to contribute to other, more productive activities. This ultimately leads to broader economic growth. The Strategy outlines a future where interaction with government will occur seamlessly as part of peoples everyday lives, where people and communities are connected and engaged to provide input to government policies and services, and where efficient government operations deliver faster and more targeted services. The APS will deliver this strategy and increase productivity of the public sector and the nation through strategic actions in three priority areas: to deliver better services to people, communities and business; improve the efficiency of government operations; and engage openly.

Delivering on expectations
Australians are highly adept users of ICT. Broadband networks, fixed and mobile, have become critical enablers for our increasing demand for flexible, mobile and online services2. We expect government services delivered by ICT to be secure, to protect our privacy and information, but also to be accessible. People and business expect high quality and easily available government services, equivalent to the standard and convenience of common private sector services such as online banking and travel bookings. The APS workforce expects technology at work to be just as capable as home-based options. These expectations are driving the APS to adopt new tools and are establishing new platforms for innovation.

Driving productivity
The Governments productivity agenda is based on stability and capability to position Australia for the future. This involves increasing the skills and capacity of the Australian people, investing in infrastructure and creating the environment to enable flexible responses to global changes. Research demonstrates that ICT is an important driver of productivity. Investment in ICT capital improves labour productivity and directly enables innovation3. It also drives growth. Between 1985 and 2006, ICT capital investment contributed an estimated 17.5 per cent of total Australian gross domestic product (GDP) growth4.
By 2016, a newer generation of government leaders will measure their IT leaders by the productivity IT brings to the public sector service delivery rather than just the efficiency of IT. Peter Sondergaard, SVP, Research, Gartner (16 November 2010)

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Why we need an ICT strategy

. internet-related activities contributed on average 21 per cent of growth of GDP in mature economies between 2004 and 20095 . the internet economy contributed $50 billion, or 3.6 per cent, of Australias GDP in 2010roughly equivalent to the value of Australias iron-ore exports6 . the decline in Australian productivity growth between 2000 and 2010 parallels a decline in Australias relative expenditure on ICT as a proportion of GDP7 . evidence that significant productivity improvements are directly attributable to investment in
ICT8. The Strategy provides opportunities to improve national productivity by increasing efficiency, streamlining processes, being innovative and enhancing interactions with government.

Other research findings about the positive impacts of ICT on productivity include:

Online reporting easing the burden on business

Standard Business Reporting (SBR) is a key initiative of the Australian Government and is part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) partnership to deliver a seamless national economy. SBR simplifies the business-to-government reporting burden by providing harmonised reporting definitions and standardised messaging protocols for the exchange of information between business and government. This capability has been available for business use since 1 July 2010. The initial focus of SBR is taxation and company compliance reporting, however it is being expanded into other areas such as employer and government to government reporting. Through SBR, businesses are able to securely report to multiple agencies directly from their business software using a standard interface and single credential, eliminating the need to rekey data into multiple government portals. SBR consists of four main capabilities that can be used individually or collectively to exchange information between business and government. These comprise:

Led by Treasury, this initiative has been co-designed by Australian, state and territory government agencies in partnership with software providers, business and intermediaries. Wider adoption of the SBR capabilities and further convergence of system architectures is expected over time. There have been announcements to use SBR standards within the superannuation industry as part of the Stronger Super reforms, and by the Australian Taxation Office as part of its future online service delivery strategy.

. SBR Taxonomy (dictionary of reporting terms) . SBR Web Services (set of standard web services and message protocols) . AUSkey (single authentication credential for business); and . SBR Core Services (standard machine-to-machine gateway).

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Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Why we need an ICT strategy

Recent developments in the Governments use and management of ICT

Reforming Government ICT
Since 2008, the ICT Reform Program has:

. delivered improved agency capability to manage large ICT-enabled programs . focused on ICT sustainability and realised $1 billion in efficiencies from agency ICT business-as-usual operations . accelerated a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to data centres, which will avoid $1 billion in costs over the next 10 to 15 years . coordinated ICT procurement and associated efficiencies in high volume, high cost areas such as Microsoft licensing, telecommunications, desktops and data centres . provided better information on agency ICT costs9.

The 2010 Independent Review of the ICT Reform Program implementation found that the ... very substantial implementation effort has positioned the Government for the next phase in the evolution of ICT policy and practice...The challenge now is to exploit that effort to enable Government to deliver different and better services and to engage more closely with its citizens10. The Global Financial Crisis coincided with the Governments ICT Reform Program. The Governments medium-term fiscal strategy requires continued strong fiscal discipline and the need to maximise the return from existing ICT capability and future investments11.

Moving to more engaging, open government (Gov 2.0)

The Gov 2.0 agenda, led by the Department of Finance and Deregulation (Finance), champions the value of data, transparency and targeted consultation using web tools to support policy development. The Australian Governments Declaration of Open Government requires agencies to reduce barriers to online engagement, undertake social networking and online collaboration projects and support online engagement by employees12. ICT can provide opportunities to create and support more sustainable and vibrant communities. It offers possibilities for more Australians to access services and participate in the economy, including people with disability or specific needs. The Governments existing mandate for agencies to comply with the World Wide Web Consortiums Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 standard will help ensure that agencies continue to deliver highly accessible online services for all Australians. To promote online engagement with government and provide opportunities for greater public participation in policy development and service delivery, the Government has initiated several blogs for consultation and released an online catalogue of government data at data.gov.au that can be used for wider economic or social purposes.

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Why we need an ICT strategy

Teleworking at IP Australia
IP Australia supports and encourages innovation, investment and international competitiveness and administers Australia's intellectual property rights system. The organisation offers a range of flexible employment arrangements to assist employees to balance their work and other commitments. As of mid 2012, over fourteen per cent of IP Australias workforce telecommutes for some or all of their working week. In addition to these formal arrangements, around half of IP Australias employees have remote access to the network away from the office, allowing them to telework on an ad-hoc basis, such as to address short-term requirements or during travel. IP Australia has found that teleworking has provided improved employee retention and engagement, additional individual productivity and reduced impact on the environment. A goal of the National Digital Economy Strategy is that by 2020 Australia will have doubled the level of teleworking so that at least 12 per cent of Australian employees report teleworking arrangements with their employers.

Emerging opportunitiesa platform for transformation

National Broadband Network
The NBN will significantly enhance the communications capabilities currently available to most Australians. This is a critical enabling platform for further improving the delivery of current and future government services. For example, high-speed broadband can improve delivery of education and health services, and offers the potential for substantial productivity improvement for businesses, job creation and improved services and competition13.

National Digital Economy Strategy

On 31 May 2011, the Government released the National Digital Economy Strategy that sets out a vision for Australia to realise the benefits of the NBN and position Australia as a leading digital economy by 202014. The National Digital Economy Strategy notes that effective government participation in the digital economy can reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction and promote innovation. Encouraging people to access government services online, and making it easier for them to do so, increases peoples digital confidence and digital literacy. This makes it easier for the Government to facilitate online engagement and collaboration with people, communities and business, to improve service delivery and contribute to policy and regulatory matters. Work is underway for the optic fibre rollout to provide access to high-speed optic fibre services to more than 3.5 million homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, and the fixed wireless rollout to give regional and rural Australians access to better broadband through high-speed fixed wireless networks. An Interim Satellite Service has also been provided, with more than 5,800 services connected to provide eligible rural and regional Australians with immediate access to faster, more reliable broadband.

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Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

Why we need an ICT strategy

ICT and innovation

International and local research demonstrates that ICT has a significant impact on both product and process innovation15. The 2009 publication Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century (published by the department formerly known as the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) sets out a 10-year vision to strengthen Australias innovation capability and increase productivity16. It identifies the importance of ICT and business management to innovation. The Management Advisory Committees 2010 report Empowering Change suggests how the APS can use innovation to improve the quality of policy and service delivery17.

Use of government data

Government generates large volumes of information including spatial and location data. Better use of this data through the use of ICT has the potential to improve public sector and national productivity. Improved use and analysis of government data, within privacy, security and legislative constraints, will improve policy development and better targeted services. The Office of Spatial Policy (OSP), within the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism was established to strengthen whole-of-government spatial data policy leadership. OSP will be working with the jurisdictions through the Australia New Zealand Land Information Council (ANZLIC): the Spatial Information Council, which is the peak intergovernmental organisation providing leadership in the collection, management and use of spatial information in Australia and New Zealand.

ICT and sustainability

Effective purchasing, use and disposal of ICT can improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions through managing energy cost and use, reducing the environmental impact of communities and improving infrastructure management18. In July 2010, the Government released the Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan 2010201519. The plan identifies standards in government purchasing of ICT products and services and introduces measures to improve environmental performance of ICT, particularly in terms of energy efficiency.

Cloud computing
Cloud computing offers the potential for flexible and cost-efficient computing solutions by using the internet to access software, hardware and storage solutions conveniently and as required. In April 2011, the Government released the Cloud Computing Strategic Direction Paper: Opportunities and Applicability for use by the Australian Government20. The paper describes the whole-of-government policy position on cloud computing. APS agencies will make greater use of cloud computing where it provides better value for money than the alternatives and is appropriately secure. Additional guidance documents have also been developed and procurement models are underway.

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The Strategy
The Strategy statement is:
The APS will use ICT to increase public sector and national productivity by enabling the delivery of better government services for the Australian people, communities and business, improving the efficiency of APS operations and supporting open engagement to better inform decisions.

Achieving this strategy

Priority areas
To increase productivity, strategic actions in three priority areas have been identified. These are: 1. Deliver better servicesmore effective use of ICT delivers improved productivity and streamlined, high quality government services that are personalised, easy-to-use and can be linked to other services. To realise this outcome we are:

. building capabilityimproving ICT knowledge, skills and capacity across the APS to deliver more efficient, effective and improved services . improving servicesusing ICT to simplify and join together services that government
provides to individuals and businesses, while ensuring security and privacy. 2.

Improve the efficiency of government operationsmore innovative and strategic use of ICT ensures greater value and more effective policy delivery that takes advantage of technology-enabled opportunities. To realise this outcome we are:

. investing optimallytargeting and coordinating ICT investment and sharing resources and services to deliver the greatest value and improve efficiency and effectiveness . encouraging innovationharnessing the full potential of the digital economy and
new technologies to promote innovative ideas and take-up of technology-enabled improvements. 3.

Engage openlymore active involvement of all stakeholders builds knowledge, sparks ideas and growth, and better informs decisions and solutions that meet local needs. To realise this outcome we are:

. creating knowledgegenerating, sharing, managing and more effectively using

. collaborating effectivelystrengthening networks, creating partnerships and using

a variety of technologies to involve the wider community in developing policy and informing service delivery.

information to improve decision-making, drive economic growth and tailor services and policies to local needs

14

Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

1. Deliver better services

"People easily access and automatically receive a range of services streamlined from across government, tailored to their individual needs, location and preferences."

What the future looks like

More effective use of ICT delivers improved productivity and streamlined, high quality government services that are personalised, easy-to-use and can be linked to other services. It is simpler and easier to access and use government services, where and when we want them, as part of our everyday activities. For many services, we do not need to take any action at allthe service is delivered to us, based on our circumstances or location. Government services are joined up with other services that we receive from the private or community sectors. Many government services are provided seamlessly through third party agents and community organisations. Services are localised and personalised, reflecting individual and community needs and interests. It is simple and easy to prove who we are to access services. Better use of ICT investments, more effectively meets the expectations and needs of people, communities and business as well as those working in government agencies. Policy makers understand and take advantage of technology to improve policy and service delivery. The public sector offers exciting careers for ICT professionals.

How we know we have succeeded

. People access government services the way they access other private sector or community services. . Four out of five Australians will choose to engage with the government through the internet or other online service . . Government services are grouped together and accessed based on peoples preferences, location and needs. . People receive the government service they need or are entitled to, with minimal or no need to interact with government. . Government policies make best use of the opportunities technology provides. . The APS is an attractive employer of ICT professionals.
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1. Deliver better services

Strategic action one: Building capability

Improving ICT knowledge, skills and capacity across the APS to deliver more efficient, effective and improved services. The ICT capability of the APS is critical to the successful delivery of government services and achieving improvements in productivity. At present, too much of this ICT capability is either duplicated or underused. The Strategy increases use and effectiveness of this capability, to free up resources and better meet the expectations and needs of people, communities and business. Sustained and strong governance will drive the strategic direction and more coordinated use of APS ICT assets, reducing fragmentation and duplication. The Secretaries ICT Governance Board (SIGB) continues to support the Government and agencies on whole-of-government ICT priorities, investments and arrangements. Finance through the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) continues to play a leadership role in identifying and building whole-of-government ICT capability. Where the APS invests in an ICT capability, this capability will be available to other agencies to avoid duplication and rework. Cloud computing will be used where appropriate, consistent with privacy and security considerations, to add new capability and capacity as well as drive down costs. Demographic and social trends point to future technology skills shortages. Since 2007, the Government has had an extensive program in place to address ICT skills shortages. Further actions to address ICT skills shortages will include examining how to best use the existing APS ICT skill base and make the APS an attractive workplace for ICT professionals. The APS will also improve the digital literacy of the broader APS workforce to ensure it takes advantage of the benefits offered by technology, both to personal productivity and to policy development and implementation.

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Australian Public Service Information and Communications Technology Strategy 2012-2015

1. Deliver better services

Action program to build capability

1.1 Improve use of existing technology capability Use lead agency model to develop new shared capabilities and re-use existing capabilities. Simplify and make consistent business processes for common activities across agencies to enable improved and more standardised approaches to service delivery and ICT capability. 1.2 Integrate technology with policy development and delivery Build the consideration of ICT capability early into policy development and implementation to ensure that policy decisions are delivered in the most effective and timely way and that the opportunity costs of policy decisions are recognised and understood. Improve the digital literacy of the broader APS workforce. 1.3 Improve government program delivery capability Develop ICT workforce skills Build capability across the APS and its partners to more effectively manage and deliver ICT-enabled programs and projects. Build on existing ICT workforce planning approaches to make better use of the ICT skilled workforce across the APS.

1.4

Strategic action two: Improving services

Improving services by using ICT to simplify and join together services that government provides to individuals and businesses, while ensuring security and privacy. The APS is committed to improving the delivery of services. The vision is for simple, easy to use services that deliver coordinated transactions to people independent of the structure of government. These services will be available through fewer websites, with australia.gov.au a primary online entry point. People will be able to consent to agencies sharing data, within security and privacy constraints, to enable a tell us once approach. This involves seamless service delivery across Australian, state and territory, and local government jurisdictions, over time. Online services will be simpler and easier to use within appropriate security and privacy constraints. People will be able to complete transactions, when and how best meets their needs, to the extent that technology allows. The NBN, in particular, will make possible the delivery of new online services and mobile models for service delivery to people and businesses throughout Australia, including those in rural and remote areas. People will be able to access services across agencies through a single logon if they wish to link their dealings with various government agencies. Where possible, and based on consent, automated processes will deliver and support information and services. Australian businesses will have online access to a wider range of government transactions using published standards and protocols that simplify their dealings with government.

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1. Deliver better services

Action program to improve services

2.1 Deliver simple and easy to use online services Build automated online services that allow people to tell government once about a change in circumstance such as address, and that support new government service directories to help people find the services they need. Create a more consistent user experience for all government websites that is accessible to all Australians. An improved interface that would enable people to view all their communications with government in one place. Provide people and business with a single logon that allows them to consent to sharing their information across government to provide more seamless, linked services. 2.2 Deliver more personalised services Develop ICT-enabled services to capture, understand and deliver peoples preferences when dealing with government. Optimise the number of government websites. Improve accessibility and usability of government websites and online services. 2.4 Increase the automation of services Automate processes to improve interactions between people, communities, business and government.

2.3

Simplify government websites

myregion website
The myregion website has been developed as part of the Australian Governments Commitment to Regional Australia. Managed by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport, myregion builds on the governments data.gov.au website by providing a central place for Australians to view, explore and visualise government information about their region. The website has been built using web 2.0 technologies that will allow cost-effective implementation of new functionality, data and content. The myregion beta site was publicly released on 26 August 2011 and following user feedback and testing the second version was launched on 17 May 2012, with steps being taken to progressively extend the spatial reporting of government expenditure as well as other location-based data and community engagement functionality.

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2. Improve the efficiency of government operations

Our interactions with government occur seamlessly as part of everyday life. Efficient government operations deliver more integrated, responsive and targeted information and services".

What the future looks like

More innovative and strategic use of ICT ensures greater value and more effective policy delivery to take advantage of technology-enabled opportunities. Government services are more efficient, targeted and integrated so that we receive services seamlessly and faster. People have more confidence in how the APS uses its ICT and other resources to meet their needs. Targeted ICT investment drives greater efficiency and encourages innovation by government and third parties. Better management of public sector ICT investment enables the APS to respond more rapidly to emerging issues. Decisions about ICT investment consider all options, maximising value and reducing administration and service delivery costs. The APS makes better use of ICT to improve service delivery. The APS targets ICT investments to improve public sector productivity and national productivity of people and business.

How we know we have succeeded

. Industry and other stakeholders are significant contributors to innovative solutions for government service delivery. . Technology underpins agile government responses to policy needs and events based on open standards. . The APS uses its buying power to procure technology at the best value for money. . APS investments in ICT are delivered on time, at cost, to expected outcomes and reflect a whole-of-government view of ICT activities and capabilities. . APS back-office functions will be more standardised and efficient.

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2. Improve the efficiency of government operations

Strategic action three: Investing optimally

Targeting and coordinating ICT investment and sharing resources and services to deliver the greatest value and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the APS. The APS has implemented processes to ensure it is more aware of whole-of-government ICT expenditure and better informed when making decisions on major investments in ICT-enabled proposals. To improve the practice and rigour in monitoring the effectiveness of ICT investments, the APS conducts annual ICT benchmarking analysis of agency ICT expenditure, based on common efficiency and effectiveness metrics. ICT Two Pass Review provides a two-stage process to evaluate ICT-enabled proposals to inform government decisions on major investments. The Risk Potential Assessment Tool assists government to determine the potential risks involved in proposals and identify if additional risk assurance is required. To achieve this balance, there will be more transparency earlier in the investment cycle around APS ICT activities, investments and plans, especially for common or generic systems such as human resource and financial management. Annual ICT benchmarking will be refined to provide detailed information on agency ICT activities, investments and plans. This greater transparency will lead to better strategic investments focusing on re-using existing capability, modifying existing capability, or buying/building new capability for use across multiple agencies. This will include consideration of how best to deliver ICT capability to smaller agencies. Greater transparency of existing ICT activities and investments will also better inform policy decisions. Understanding the full cost implications of policy options and the possible consequences of decisions to adopt and use different ICT systems will be strengthened. For example, the use of commodity hardware, off-the-shelf software, virtualisation and cloud computing will drive increased capability and improve efficiency through lower customisation and integration costs. Extending the coordinated approach to ICT procurement will allow for greater efficiencies during product procurement and refresh. The APS will continue to use its advantage as a large-scale purchaser of ICT to reduce duplication of agency procurement efforts, simplify suppliers involvement in procurement and realise value for government.

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2. Improve the efficiency of government operations

Action program for investing optimally

3.1 Improve investment governance and information Increase the visibility of agency ICT activities, investments and plans, to reduce duplication. Improve ICT investment by considering alternate approaches and greater acceptance of risk around the ability to deliver effective value for money solutions. 3.2 3.3 Improve whole-of-government ICT investment Extend coordinated ICT procurement Deploy a whole-of-government approach to strategic ICT investments. Target new areas for coordinated ICT procurement to reduce costs and remove duplication, while delivering current initiatives such as the data centre strategy. Consider cloud computing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government ICT operations.

3.4

Share computing resources and services

Strategic action four: Encouraging innovation

Harnessing the full potential of the digital economy and new technologies to promote innovative ideas and take-up of technology-enabled improvements. The Government has a significant program underway to foster innovation. The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and National ICT Australia (NICTA) all contribute to developing innovative ICT solutions for government and the broader economy. The APS will use information about peoples expectations and preferences to advise government on the development of new services and improve existing services. New business models enabled by technologies such as cloud computing and the NBN, will be used to build efficient, flexible and responsive systems to deliver innovative services to people, communities and business. The APS, in partnership with industry and other stakeholders, will use technology demonstrator hubs to build and trial innovative services and processes to address complex service delivery challenges. Where appropriate, the APS will test these innovations through concept viability programs with industry before going to market to tender for solutions. The APS will also seek innovative options from its strategic partners in the ICT and related industries. The growth in public sector information available on data.gov.au will allow third parties to develop innovative applications and services to complement government services.

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2. Improve the efficiency of government operations

Engaging with people using Gov 2.0 and other contemporary engagement and communication approaches when developing policies and services will also encourage innovation. This level of participation will generate a wide range of ideas and possibilities that may be applied in the public sector. APS employees will use ICT to improve operations and processes and to deliver better services to Australian people, communities and businesses.

Action program for encouraging innovation

4.1 Open up ICT development to foster innovation Generate ideas through challenges and competitions, such as GovHack and MashupAustralia, to create opportunities for external and internal ICT innovation. Deliver new and better ICT enabled services Increase awareness and early take-up of new ICT Examine and adopt new and emerging technologies more rapidly Use the NBN to provide more government services online. Engage with industry and academia to identify policy and service delivery opportunities arising from new and emerging technologies. Quickly adopt new ICT models through a risk-based approach that balances issues of performance, usability, security, privacy and investment. Promote agency-based innovation communities of practice so that new technologies and ideas can be deployed rapidly and assessed for their business use.

4.2 4.3

4.4

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2. Improve the efficiency of government operations

Personally Controlled Electronic Health (eHealth) Record

On 1 July 2012 the Australian Government began rolling out a national eHealth record system and people seeking healthcare in Australia can now register for an eHealth record. Medicare data, including MBS, PBS, Australian Organ Donor Register and Australian Childhood Immunisation Register data, has been incorporated into the eHealth record system for those people who want such information to be part of their record. Healthcare organisations can also now register to participate in the eHealth record system and authorise doctors, nurses and other appropriate users within their organisation to view patient records through the secure online provider portal. The components to allow GP software to upload clinical information to a patients eHealth record, through their desktop, have also been implemented. Several software vendors are currently testing their products and the first practices are on-line. As the system continues to roll out over time, , the better connected Australias health system will become and the better it will serve all Australians. Having an eHealth record will help make getting the right treatment faster, safer and easier. Key features of the new online record include:

. Opt-in: the new online record is not mandatory to receive health care. You choose whether you would like to create the online record . Personal control: patients can control what is stored on their medical records and can

. Ease of access: patients and their health care providers can access their records from any location in Australia, improving the speed and penetration of health care services . Connection to the national system through upgrades of clinical systems that health care providers use today . Strong security controls including a 16 digit electronic healthcare identifier number will be used to ensure accuracy of matching the right information to the right patient . Single view of multiple sources of information: over time the new record will enable
access to health information created in State and Local health care systems as agreed by patients.

decide which healthcare organisations can view or add to their files, providing a strong privacy control

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3. Engage openly

"Decisions will be better informed through truly open, interactive government to support sustainable, vibrant communities. Individuals, communities, business, not-for-profits and government collaborate more closelyall are actively involved in the conversation and in co-designing innovative and location-aware government policies and services".

What the future looks like

More active involvement of all stakeholders builds knowledge, sparks ideas and growth, and better informs decisions and solutions that meet local needs. The APS is more transparent and open, with improved access and availability of government information stimulating more effective engagement and collaboration. Consultation processes supported by a variety of technologies allow people and communities to be actively involved in designing and developing policy and services. We use high quality government data to inform ourselves and identify innovative approaches to public policy. Innovative uses of interactive technologies offer more ways to participate in the conversation about our communities and the nation. We are more aware of decisions that may affect our communities, with distance no longer a barrier. Through technology, people in regional and remote Australia have an equal say throughout the consultation process. Government services are developed and delivered in partnership with industry, community organisations and research organisations.

How we know we have succeeded

. Government services and policies reflect the needs of local communities. . Government services span agencies, jurisdictions, and the community and private sector. . Industry and research organisations actively contribute to the development of new services and policies. . New services and policies are better informed. . Published government data generates greater economic value.

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3. Engage openly

Strategic action five: Creating knowledge

Generating, sharing, managing and more effectively using information to improve decision-making, drive economic growth and tailor services and policies to local needs. The Government manages extensive information and knowledge resources that are critical to policy development and decision-making. As recognised by the Gov 2.0 Taskforce, this data also has additional economic value that can only be realised when it is made available to those that can benefit from it22. The APS can also gain more value and make better use of its information and knowledge resources (within necessary security, policy and legislative constraints) to inform policy decisions, improve service delivery based on need and streamline government operations. The APS will also make greater use of location-aware information to inform advice on policy and services design and delivery. Increased knowledge of customer needs, preferences and activities will enable improved targeting of services and further automation of service delivery. Increasingly, people will no longer need to interact directly with government to fulfil their legal obligations or to receive services to which they are entitled. The APS will capture and publish data using agreed standards and build skills, both internally and externally, to interpret information and knowledge resources to improve policy and services. This will include the use of improved data analysis and visualisation tools. The APS will continue to support government by making data available to people and business through data.gov.au to drive greater openness and transparency in line with the Declaration of Open Government. Increased availability of government data will optimise its economic and social value and enable third parties to use information and knowledge resources to innovate and create additional value.

Action program for creating knowledge

5.1 Build business intelligence Create a more holistic view of customer needs to improve targeting and delivery of services, in accordance with privacy and security. APS staff are consulted and contribute operational knowledge to the development of policy and service delivery. 5.2 5.3 Use location-aware information Develop tools and platforms to analyse data Develop standards and strategies for using location-aware information across agencies. Create capability within government to capture, share as appropriate, and analyse customer information to better identify trends and inform policy development. Continue the Gov 2.0 public release of government data for wider use, to share information and knowledge resources and unlock economic and social value.

5.4

Release public sector information

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3. Engage openly

Strategic action six: Collaborating effectively

Strengthening networks, creating partnerships and using a variety of technologies to involve the wider community in developing policy and informing service delivery. The APS will build on existing partnerships and approaches to collaboration both within and outside government. Targeted consultations with people, communities and businesses will be supported using new technologies as they emerge. The APS will use a variety of media to engage in conversation with the community. The APS will use the information generated as one way of identifying existing needs and future trends to improve services and policies and to drive innovation. Interactive technologies enable communities of interest and expertise to develop rapidly to enhance understanding of issues and solve problems as they emerge. Communities can use the internet to identify the most useful information to meet their needs. Such technologies also enable people to find the most knowledgeable and valuable contributors in any given subject area, from those with international professional and academic reputations to those who possess significant local and community subject matter knowledge and expertise23. The APS will use a variety of technologies to engage in a targeted way with business, academia and other expert groups to address service delivery challenges. The APS will promote this collaboration through online tools and the technology demonstrator programs. Policy advice will be informed by new and emerging ICT capability and innovation.

Action program for collaborating effectively

6.1 Strengthen external collaboration networks Use a variety of online tools in a targeted way to engage with people and business, to improve policy development and service delivery. Actively participate in external blogging forums to promote wide community engagement. 6.2 Build collaboration capability across government Create online communities of expertise based around common business processes, to develop and share standardised approaches. Build mechanisms so that APS employees can engage with the community and collaborate with each other online. 6.3 Build the channels needed for government to collaborate Explore partnerships with industry, academia and the community/not-for-profit sector, and with third party agents and brokers of government services to inform policy advice and options for service delivery.

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3. Engage openly

Data analysis: Providing personalised service to the public

The ATO supports Australians who want to do the right thing by actively developing strategies that make it easy to participate in Australias tax and superannuation systems. Analytics plays an important role in this approach by supporting an automated approach to individualised engagement with taxpayers. The Corporate Analytics area within the Office of the Chief Knowledge Officer has been leading the introduction of predictive models which allow the ATO to provide a more personalised service tailored to the needs of taxpayers. Australias tax and superannuation systems are one of the Australian Governments largest administrative points of contact with the public. In turn, the sharing of the analytics expertise which enables effective engagement on such a large scale supports a broader objective: that being to sustain and enhance the wellbeing of all Australians.

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Implementation governance

Timeframe
The Strategy provides the APSs direction for the use of ICT to 2015. The Implementation Plan outlines proposed projects, which will progressively be rolled out to achieve the 2015 objectives. Delivery of the work program of the Strategy will be assessed and reviewed annually by SIGB.

Governance
SIGB has responsibility for the whole-of-government use of ICT and provides advice to Government on ICT matters and strategic ICT investments. SIGB will oversee implementation of the Strategy. SIGB will continue to support the Government and agencies on whole-of-government ICT priorities, investments and arrangements. The Chair of SIGB, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), will schedule discussions with the Secretaries Board on significant proposals for whole-of-government approaches advocated by SIGB. SIGB will continue to meet with external stakeholders where appropriate topics exist to inform the development of policy or opportunities to exploit use of new technology. This could include legacy system transition, mobility, encouraging digital engagement and greater interconnectedness. Through the Strategy, whole-of-government ICT governance will focus on greater transparency in areas such as the management of ICT costs and investment, capability, reducing duplication of services and whole-of-government ICT procurement. SIGB will continue to be responsible for determining priority areas for standardisation, consolidation and common approaches, based on demonstrated business value to government. SIGB will oversee whole-of-government ICT arrangements that provide clear, superior outcomes for Government, over autonomous approaches by agencies. The Chief Information Officer Committee (CIOC) reports to SIGB. The CIOC considers ICT matters including technical, operational and business related issues and provides advice and guidance to SIGB. Groups of agency senior executives also bring a greater business focus to specific matters when required. ICT matters that span jurisdictional boundaries will continue to be governed by the Cross Jurisdictional Chief Information Officers Committee (CJCIOC), chaired by the Australian Government CIO, and comprising CIOs or their equivalents from each state and territory government.

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Implementation governance

Agencies
Financial Management and Accountability (FMA) Act agencies will implement the Strategy work program. Defence and Australian Intelligence Community agencies will implement the actions of the Strategy that are relevant to their administrative, financial, personnel and other non-specialist and non-defence capability ICT systems. The Implementation Plan identifies timeframes and expected outcomes. The SIGB will appoint lead agencies, which may take the role of program leaders for a specific range of projects, as mentors or as thought leaders sharing expertise and experience with other agencies.

Australian Government Information Management Office

AGIMO in Finance provides advice and services on ICT to enable the delivery of better and more efficient Australian Government services for the Australian people, communities and business. AGIMO manages coordinated ICT procurement and ICT investment and assurance processes for major ICT-enabled budget proposals. Through the Australian Governments online entry point and related online services AGIMO also manages the delivery of Australian Government information and services. AGIMO identifies the need for common approaches in areas such as standards, platforms, applications, infrastructure, business process and prepares advice for SIGB. AGIMO will continue to work closely with agencies including the PM&C in relation to the digital productivity agenda and elements of cyber policy, and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on the digital economy. AGIMO will continue to take a leading role with other agencies to improve government service delivery to Australians under the digital productivity agenda. AGIMO will continue work to develop, and increase awareness of, frameworks, tools and reference material that support whole-of-government alignment. AGIMO will work with agencies to develop detailed implementation approaches that deliver the strategic priorities and improve productivity. AGIMO will advocate strategies to SIGB and the Government for endorsement and will support SIGB in its portfolio coordination and governance roles.

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Implementation governance
AGIMO will work closely with stakeholders, within and external to government, to implement the Strategy. This includes working with agency Chief Information Officers, the Deputy National Security Advisor and the Australian Government security community, the Australian Information Commissioner, ICT vendors and ICT industry representative groups, and the not-for-profit sector. AGIMO will continue to work closely with the CJCIOC on strategic approaches to government ICT that span jurisdictional boundaries. AGIMO will maintain close relationships with international organisations and other jurisdictions on the productive application of ICT to government administration, information and services. A small, dedicated program management office in AGIMO will assist SIGB to govern implementation of the Strategy.

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

DELIVER BETTER SERVICES Use lead agency model to develop new shared capabilities and re-use existing capabilities Assess options for permits design and issuance Establish an ICT Services Catalogue (collection of products supporting re-use) Implement an appropriate sharing arrangement for CIO Forum agencies Implement a whole-of-government Parliamentary Workflow Solution Roll out GovShare repository Implement shared internet gateways Simplify and make consistent business processes for common activities across agencies Build consideration of ICT capability early into policy development and implementation Improve APS digital literacy Build capability across the APS and its partners to deliver ICT-enabled projects Identify and develop priority areas for whole-of-government opportunities Include assessment of technology capability in new policy funding processes Assess options to build awareness of how use of ICT improves policy outcomes Improve the professionalism of ICT Undertake P3M3 capability reviews Develop and implement strategy to address ICT skills shortages Improve the attractiveness of ICT as a profession within the APS Consider whole-of-government approach to Grants Management Solution

BUILDING CAPABILITY

By 2015:

1.1 Improve use of existing technology capability

Agencies share and reuse common business processes, patterns and standards, increasing the consistency of services.

Common business processes support greater sharing of capability and better services to people and business.

Consideration of ICT implications improves policy and services.

APS employees use the ICT that best enables them to deliver professional advice to government and high level services to people and business.

1.2 Integrate technology with policy development and delivery

1.3 Improve government program delivery capability

1.4 Develop ICT workforce skills and use

Build on ICT workforce planning to make better use of skilled ICT workforce across the APS

NEW ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

DELIVER BETTER SERVICES Service Delivery Reform new and automated online services for individuals Reliance business case improving individuals access to online services Develop a whole-of-government Mobile Strategy Build automated online services and new services, continue to build on business.gov.au Business Online Services will provide a national system for business to access business licensing and information services Single log on for people and business Roll out authentication for individuals Develop ICT-enabled services that serve peoples preferences Build opt-in capability to personalise australia.gov.au account Introduce personally controlled individual electronic health record Optimise the number of government websites Improve accessibility and usability of government websites and online services Automate processes to improve interactions Enhance web policy, optimise the number of government websites, whole-of-government guidance on web apps Continue to implement National Transition Strategy to WCAG 2.0 Scope possibilities to automate processes Identify, build on further opportunities to use Standard Business Reporting Roll out authentication for business and government Build on business.gov.au and increase the range of products and services to make it easier for business to deal with government online, including SmartForms Build automated online services and new services directories, create a more consistent user experience of government websites and online services, continue to build on australia.gov.au homepage

IMPROVING SERVICES

By 2015:

2.1 Deliver simple and easy to use online services

People are able to personalise government online services to reduce the time and effort of dealing with government.

Government services are automated where possible to provide seamless services and to reduce the compliance burden.

Government websites are more accessible as agencies achieve Level AA compliance with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

2.2 Deliver more personalised services

2.3. Simplify government websites

2.4 Increase the automation of services

NEW ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

INVESTING OPTIMALLY Increase visibility of agency ICT activities, investments and plans Enhanced ICT project assurance Consider alternate investment approaches Deploy a whole-of-government approach to strategic ICT investments Target new areas to reduce cost, remove duplication Continue to implement whole-of-government data centre strategy Consider cloud computing Consider the development of a Government community cloud approach Explore market approach for cloud services Agencies implement cloud solutions where appropriate Undertake refresh program of and identify new areas for coordinated procurement Develop a whole-of-government approach to strategic ICT investment Review ICT Investment Framework Strengthen ICT Two-Pass process and enhance governance of major ICT enabled projects Develop and implement a framework to increase visibility of ICT activities, investments and plans

IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

3.1 Improve investment governance and information

By 2015:

Standard approaches are identified to reduce the cost of back-office functions.

3.2 Improve wholeof-government ICT investment

3.3 Extend coordinated ICT procurement

Government reduces the financial and environmental costs through better management of data centres and the use of cloud computing services where appropriate.

3.4 Share computing resources and services

NEW ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

By 2015: Generate ideas through challenges, competitions Support ICT communities Use NBN for government services online Deliver projects outlined in the National Digital Economy Strategy Continue to liaise with research centres to improve Governments use of ICT Consider developing technology Demonstrator Hub with industry Participate in forums with industry and academia to share new technologies Adopt new ICT models, engage with industry and promote agency-based innovation communities of practice Develop communities of interest around new and emerging technologies Identify inhibitors and challenges to ICT innovation Conduct idea generation competitions

ENCOURAGING INNOVATION

Internal barriers to agencies using ICT for innovation have been removed, resulting in more ideas to improve services.

4.1 Open ICT development

Use of new and emerging ICT delivers improved services and government operations. Engage with industry and academia to identify policy and service delivery opportunities arising from new and emerging technologies

4.2 Deliver new and better ICT enabled services

4.3 Increase awareness and early take-up of new ICT

4.4 Examine and adopt new and emerging technologies more rapidly

NEW ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

ENGAGE OPENLY Create a holistic view of customer needs, capture operational knowledge of APS staff APS staffs operational knowledge is considered in policy, services development Develop standards and strategies for using location information across agencies Continue to develop myregion, MyHospital websites Capture, share, analyse customer information Develop strategy for Big Data to enhance cross-agency data analytic capability to improve policy, services Release government data Encourage and support greater use of data.gov.au by people, business and communities Increase the number of datasets on data.gov.au Establish whole-of-government Centre of Excellence for data analytics and whole-of-government approach to the management of Big Data Develop and implement government location information framework Identify data for improved targeting of services delivery

CREATING KNOWLEDGE

By 2015:

5.1 Build business intelligence

Government location-based information provides people and business with more targeted services specific to their needs.

5.2 Use location-aware information

Better use of government data transforms service and policy development, resulting in more effective and targeted policy responses.

5.3 Develop tools and platforms to analyse data

5.4 Release public sector information

NEW ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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The implementation plan

ACTIVITIES ACTION ITEMS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

STRATEGIC PRIORITY

STRATEGIC ACTION

By 2015: Use online tools in a targeted way to engage with people and business Actively participate in external blogs Create online communities, build mechanisms for APS employees to collaborate with each other online Explore partnerships with industry, academia, community and third sectors and government service brokers IT Supplier Advocate champions industry development activities with SMEs in the Australian IT industry Establish a process to engage with industry and academia on the development of significant ICT policy items Continue to collaborate online with people, business and communities Increase access to social media by APS employees Increase agency awareness of the benefits of social media

COLLABORATING EFFECTIVELY

The APS regularly engages with industry to improve the viability of ICT-enabled projects.

6.1 Strengthen external collaboration networks

6.2 Build collaboration capability across government

6.3 Build the channels needed for government to collaborate

NEW ACTIVITY IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

ACTIVITY UNDERWAY

IMMEDIATE TERM ONGOING

MEDIUM TERM ONGOING

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Success indicators 2012-2015

This diagram depicts the three priority areas of the Strategy, strategic actions, success indicators and timeline.
Deliver better services 2012 Building capability The APS has a clear understanding of its overall ICT capability to identify opportunities to improve services and reduce costs. APS internet gateways are more resilient and easier to manage. ICT skills and career strategies effectively position the APS as a preferred employer of ICT professionals. 2015 Agencies share and re-use common business processes, patterns and standards, increasing the consistency of services. Common business processes support greater sharing of capability and better services to people and business. Consideration of ICT implications improves policy and services.

APS employees use the ICT that best enables them to deliver professional advice to government and high level services to people and business. Improving services Government websites are easy to use and navigate. People are able to personalise government online services to reduce the time and effort of dealing with government. Government services are automated where possible to provide seamless services and to reduce the compliance burden. Government websites are more accessible as agencies achieve Level AA compliance with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

People and business have a safe, secure and easy way to access online government services. Dealing with the APS is more convenient as more government services are delivered through mobile devices.

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Success indicators 2012-2015

Improve the efficiency of government operations 2012 Investing optimally APS decisions on ICT are informed by a clear understanding of its overall ICT investment. The APS continues to build on approaches to use its buying power to procure technology at the best value for money. Better information about APS ICT investment and capability results in more targeted decisions about ICT investments, reducing duplication and costs. Where it represents value for money and is adequately secure, the APS use of cloud computing increases, improving operations and reducing costs. Encouraging innovation Projects under the National Digital Economy Strategy are delivered to provide people with better services using the NBN. Partnerships with industry, academia and research organisations deliver innovative solutions to government service delivery and operations. Internal barriers to agencies using ICT for innovation have been removed, resulting in more ideas to improve services. Use of new and emerging ICT delivers improved services and government operations. 2015 Standard approaches are identified to reduce the cost of back-office functions. The APS reduces the financial and environmental costs through better management of data centres and the use of cloud computing services where appropriate.

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Success indicators 2012-2015

Engage openly 2012 Creating knowledge The APS has a clear framework to use location-based information to improve government services. Agency capability to analyse and use data is increased, providing new opportunities to inform service and policy decisions. Publicly available government data is used by the community to generate greater value. Collaborating effectively The use of social media reflects the The APS regularly engages with needs of local communities in service industry to improve the viability of and policy development. ICT-enabled projects. APS use of social media and other tools is widespread, resulting in better targeted polices and services that support the needs of the community. Increasing engagement with industry and other stakeholders improves APS ICT policy and projects. 2015 APS location-based information provides people and business with more targeted services specific to their needs. Better use of government data transforms service and policy development, resulting in more effective and targeted policy responses.

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Endnotes
1. 2. 3. References to business include not-for-profit and community organisations. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312017 Productivity Commission (2004), ICT use and Productivity: A Synthesis from Studies of Australian Firms, Productivity Commission Research Paper, Canberra http://www.pc.gov.au/ research/commission/ict-use http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/6/3/40605524.pdf (Graph, page 23, Contributions to growth of GDP, 19852001 and 20012006) McKinsey Global Institute report (2011), Internet matters: The Net's sweeping impact on growth, jobs, and prosperity, http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/publications/internet_matters/ index.asp Deloitte Access Economics (2011), The Connected Continent report, http://connectedcontinent.appspot.com/media/illustrations/download.pdf Grattan Institute (2011), Australias Productivity Challenge report, http://grattan.edu.au/ publications/reports/post/australia-s-productivity-challenge/ Telstra (2012), Telstra Productivity Indicator Report, http://productivity.telstraenterprise.com/index.html?ti=td_tc-res-ins-tent-prodindlanding_2 012productivityindicator0312 http://www.finance.gov.au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/ictreform-program.html

4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

9.

10. http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/review-implementation-ict-reformprogram/index.html 11. http://www.budget.gov.au/ 12. http://www.finance.gov.au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/gov2/declaration-ofopen-government.html 13. http://www.nbn.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions/#a533 14. http://www.nbn.gov.au/the-vision/digitaleconomystrategy/ 15. http://is.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pages/ISG/modelling/documents/Brussels29.09.10MeasuringtheI mpactofICT.pdf 16. http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovation/policy/pages/PoweringIdeas.aspx 17. http://www.innovation.gov.au/Innovation/PublicSectorInnovation/Documents/ Empowering_Change.pdf 18. http://www.aiia.com.au/resource/resmgr/Green_IT_Docs/AIIA_Low_Carbon_Economy.pdf 19. http://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/government/ictplan/index.html 20. http://www.finance.gov.au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/cloud-computing.html 21. See also http://www.nbn.gov.au/files/ndes_site/ndes_section2-web-32.html 22. http://www.finance.gov.au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/gov2.html 23. http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/gov20taskforcereport/summary.htm

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