In an era where technology and innovation are reshaping the public sector, the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) plays a crucial role in driving the Australian Government’s digital agenda.

With a focus on enhancing service delivery through effective digital policies and strategies, the DTA is committed to creating a more connected and efficient government.

The role of the DTA

The DTA is tasked with providing strategic leadership in the development and implementation of digital policies, the Australian Government Architecture, and the Data and Digital Government Strategy. By overseeing the government’s digital investment pipeline, the agency ensures a coordinated approach to investments in digital and information and communications technology (ICT).

Lucy Poole, general manager of strategy, planning and performance at the DTA, is at the helm of these initiatives. Her leadership is instrumental in ensuring that the agency meets the evolving needs of citizens and businesses.

“For the Australian Government to realise its digital ambitions,” according to Poole, “it needs to make the right digital and ICT-enabled investments at the right time and in the right way.”

Priorities and achievements

One of the DTA’s primary goals is to drive the delivery of world-class digital capabilities across government agencies. This involves leveraging emerging technologies to simplify service delivery and enhance the user experience. Through its strategic initiatives, the DTA aims to ensure that all Australians benefit from secure, efficient, and accessible services.

The DTA recently launched a policy for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use in government, reflecting its commitment to ethical innovation.

Poole notes: “We consulted extensively with experts across the public sector, private sector and academia, allowing us to develop a policy capable of evolving at pace with both the technology and community expectations.”

The Agency engaged various stakeholders to gather insights, ensuring that the policy aligns with community expectations and addresses concerns around algorithmic biases and data protection.

Collaborative efforts

Collaboration is at the heart of the DTA’s strategy. The Agency’s efforts to establish the AI in Government Taskforce exemplify this approach. By working closely with departments such as the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the DTA seeks to foster a cohesive and integrated approach to AI adoption across the public sector.

Poole believes that “working collegiately with our colleagues across the Australian Government, beginning with the AI in Government Taskforce that the DTA co-led with DISR, was critical to ensuring our approach to harnessing the potential of AI was fit for purpose”.

Future Directions

As the DTA looks ahead, it remains focused on the continuous improvement of digital services and infrastructure. The Agency’s upcoming initiatives will focus on further aligning digital experience policies and standards, assessing achievements in the Data and Digital Government Strategy, and exploring innovative applications of AI in government.

Poole concludes: “Australia has truly set itself apart as a world leader in digital government. I look forward to working with my colleagues at the DTA and across government to capitalise on this momentum, underpinning better outcomes for citizens and businesses.”

Join us at the FSTGov Summit

Lucy Poole will share her insights and the DTA’s ongoing initiatives during the opening session at the 10th Annual Future of Federal Government Summit on 6 November. Her session will provide valuable perspectives on how digital transformation is reshaping public service delivery and the essential role of government agencies in this journey.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Lucy and engage with other leaders in the field.

Register now for the FSTGov Summit and help drive public sector innovation.