Further details of the Australian Public Service Reform Agenda have been revealed in the 2023-24 Budget, with $2 billion allocated to modernise the Service’s ICT systems.
Announcing the details, Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher said the ICT allocation would deliver simpler, more secure and connected digital services.
“The APS performs a critical role in our democratic system, it should be valued by Government, and be focused on serving our citizens,” Senator Gallagher said.
“Digital and ICT capability is crucial to deliver easy, accessible and secure services for people and business,” she said.
“Modern IT systems can drive efficiencies across Government, save taxpayer money and improve Government services delivery through easier and simpler and more user friendly services.”
Senator Gallagher said the allocation included $195.6 million for enhancements to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs ICT systems; $134.5 million for myGov; $106.4 million to enable the new Support at Home; $26.9 million for the Digital ID Program; and funding to replace outdated Australian Electoral Commission ICT systems.
She said the Budget also provided $10.9 million to establish an in-house APS consulting function and $8.4 million to build the capability of the APS to address service-wide challenges such as improving gender impact analysis in policy; uplifting APS-wide First Nations cultural competency; and promoting culturally and linguistically diverse capability in the APS.
“This is an important investment in our public and democratic institutions, and also our community,” the Finance Minister said.
