The DTA is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and has a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation and abuse. We are committed to promoting and maintaining a culture that does not permit or tolerate child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

We recognise that all adults share the responsibility of preventing exploitation and abuse, so the DTA requires the commitment, support and cooperation of all individuals who help deliver our services.

As a Commonwealth entity, the DTA is committed to the whole-of-government Commonwealth Child Safe Framework (the Framework) which sets the minimum standards for creating and maintaining a child safe culture and practice in Australian Government entities. The Framework was established in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse findings. Under requirement 4 of the Framework, the DTA is required to publish an annual statement of compliance. 

The DTA plays a central role in driving the Australian Government’s digital transformation by providing digital and ICT strategy and policy leadership, investment advice, strategic sourcing and delivery oversight. The DTA currently has no activities or functions where DTA staff would interact with children and young people.

In accordance with requirement 1 of the Framework, the DTA conducts annual child safe risk assessments. The DTA’s 2026 annual child safe risk assessment determined the risk of harm and abuse to children as ‘low’. A review of child safety risks in 2026 within the DTA identified there are infrequent occasions which might bring staff in contact with children and young people in the workplace. Guidance is also in place to ensure staff members who bring their children to the workplace ensure they are always accompanied by a parent or guardian.

With the DTA adopting flexible work arrangements parents and carers can now work remotely, further reducing the likelihood of this occurrence. Accordingly, the DTA considers the child safety risk rating remains ‘low.’

DTA staff may come into contact with children and young people oversees during official visits to our partner nation’s equivalent offices. DTA staff preparing to travel overseas are required to review documents outlining their duties and responsibilities, including compliance with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Child Protection Policy, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct for Overseas Service. 

Under requirement 2 of the Framework and the DTA’s low risk rating, the DTA will continue to raise awareness and understanding to support a child-safe organisational culture through:

  • offering staff optional training on the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework through our on-line learning and development system.
  • periodically review child safety risks and the effectiveness of relevant controls
  • maintain appropriate governance oversight of the agency’s implementation of and compliance with the framework.

Based on the nature of our business, DTA staff do not require Working with Children Checks; however, all DTA staff undergo reference checks, police checks and are required to hold a minimum Baseline security clearance. 

Whilst many of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations do not apply based on the nature of our business, we will continue to demonstrate our adoption of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to ensure we continue to build a child safe culture and practice and are openly encourage awareness and mindfulness amongst our staff that child protection is everyone’s responsibility. In accordance with requirement 3 of the Framework, we will further strengthen our practices and compliance with the framework to:

  • continuously review and update our policies and guidance material to appropriately address and manage child safe risks

  • embed child safety and wellbeing in our organisation leadership, governance and culture

  • process complaints and/or allegations related to child safety and wellbeing in accordance with our complaints handling process and child focused.

Through the above listed measures, the DTA has assessed that it complies with the 4 requirements of the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, to the extent relevant to our operations.