Australia rises to second globally in the OECD Digital Government Index

Australia’s sustained investment in governance, shared platforms and user centred services across government has been recognised on the global stage. We have strengthened our position as a world leader, now ranking second in the OECD’s Digital Government Index.

The Index measures the policy foundations and institutional capability that enable governments to deliver coherent digital transformation.

“Australia’s Data and Digital Strategy set an ambitious goal to achieve world-class data and digital capability by 2030,” spotlights Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer at the DTA.

“This result is a testament to the immense progress we are making across government to strengthen how services are delivered across our community and positions Australia as a global leader in digital government.”

The Digital Government Index assesses how governments embed digital capability across a range of dimensions.

Digital by design 

“The OECD identified Australia among the strongest performers across the digital government framework,” highlights Mr Fechner. “This reflects our balanced progress across governance, sharing infrastructure, and keeping users front of mind when designing and delivering services.”

Digital by design focuses on embedding digital thinking into policy, investment and governance from the outset. This includes setting clear direction, aligning decision making and strengthening oversight across government.

Australia has maintained its leading position from 2023 in this dimension, reflecting the success of our mature governance settings and strong strategic alignment across government. 

Initiatives such as the Data and Digital Government Strategy and the Digital and ICT Investment Oversight Framework, have strengthened governance settings, aligning investment decisions with whole-of-government priorities.   

User driven 

User-driven approaches place people’s needs at the centre of policy and service design, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive and consistent. Since 2023, Australia has climbed from 4th to 1st, reflecting stronger integration of accessibility, usability and user experience practices across government. 

Implementation of the Digital Experience Policy and the Digital Service Standard establishes clearer expectations for inclusive design, strengthens user research practices and drives more consistent digital interactions with government services for all people and businesses.

Government as a platform

Government as a platform focuses on shared infrastructure and reusable components that enable agencies to deliver services for the community efficiently. Since 2023, Australia has lifted its standing from 5th to 4th, attributed to our continued maturity in common digital capabilities and stronger coordination across the Australia Public Service.

Ongoing investment in shared platforms, including the Australian Government Architecture and myGov, strengthens interoperability and expands agencies access to common tools and guidance. These initiatives support cohesive digital service delivery and contribute to a more integrated digital ecosystem.

Proactiveness

Proactiveness centres on anticipating the needs of the community and applying data and emerging technologies responsibly to improve outcomes. Australia has advanced from 7th place in 2023 to 5th in 2025, reflecting growing maturity in forward looking service design and stronger governance for emerging technologies. 

The delivery of the AI Plan for the Australian Public Service, alongside strengthened guidance under the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, is assisting agencies in adopting emerging technologies while maintaining public trust and accountability. 

From strong debut to sustained leadership

Australia’s improved ranking builds on its 5th place debut in the 2023 Digital Government Index. The latest edition places stronger emphasis on governance maturity, data leadership and proactive service delivery, reflecting how countries are embedding digital approaches into core government functions.

“Australia’s rise from 5th to 2nd globally reflects the strength of our governance settings and the depth of collaboration across the Australian Public Service,” emphasises Mr Fechner.

“Digital transformation is about building strong foundations that endure, where clear governance and shared platforms that give government the confidence to innovate.”

Looking ahead

The OECD findings highlight opportunities to build on Australia’s strong foundations and continue strengthening digital government capability. 

Through the delivery of the Data and Digital Government Strategy Implementation Plan 2025, the Australian Government is already progressing initiatives that support continued improvement across governance, data and service delivery. 

• Enhanced monitoring and evaluation, supported by enhanced Digital Investment Plans and the continued delivery of the Digital and ICT Investment Oversight Framework to ensure digital investments deliver lasting value.
• Deepening the use of data across government, through building on initiatives such as the Australian Government Data Governance Framework and the Data Maturity Assessment Tool to enable more connected, evidence informed services.
• Advancing responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including the Guidance on public use of generative AI and the AI technical standard.
• Expanding connected and inclusive services, through the APS Experience Design Principles which guides agencies to design services around real experiences that impact all Australians and the continued enhancement of the Digital Experience Policy. 

“Australia’s strong result reflects sustained momentum across government,” adds Mr Fechner.

“We will continue strengthening the foundations that support simple, secure and connected public services for all people and businesses.”

The full findings are scheduled to come out later in the year. In the meantime, please view the key findings and insights on the OECD website.