Sharing lessons in digital government: DTA welcomes Vietnam delegation

Delivered through the Southeast Asia Australia Government Partnership (SEAG2G), the program provided DTA an opportunity to share Australia’s experience and lessons learned in digital government with counterparts.

As governments across Southeast Asia continue to advance their digital transformation agendas, partnerships like these help strengthen capability, foster trusted relationships and support practical collaboration across the region.

Delegates explored the policies, frameworks and capability that has shaped Australia’s digital transformation journey, while strengthening relationships between Australia and Viet Nam counterparts.

"Australia has made significant progress in digital government over the years, and we value the opportunity to share our experience with our regional partners and learn from the diverse perspectives, expertise and innovations they bring,” explains Lucy Poole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Strategy, Policy and Performance at the DTA.

“These engagements strengthen relationships, support capability development and create opportunities for future collaboration.”

The visit also supports the Viet Nam - Australia Comprehensive Partnership, which commits to deepening cooperation across mutual priority areas, including digital transformation.

Exploring shared digital government priorities

Throughout the week, Australian and Vietnamese counterparts explored the opportunities and challenges shaping digital government, with a focus on delivering modern, secure and user-centred digital services.

The program highlighted strong mutual interest in digital strategy, service design and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Discussions also underscored the shared priorities of Australia and Viet Nam as both countries continue to modernise government services and respond to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Australia’s experience informed discussions across a range of policies and frameworks, including:

• The Data and Digital Government Strategy
• Australian Government Architecture
• Digital Experience Policy
• AI Plan for the APS
• Policy for the responsible use of AI

Collectively, these conversations provided valuable opportunities to exchange practical insights, explore different approaches and strengthen cooperation on the shared priorities shaping digital government across both countries.

Turning strategy into practical delivery

Building a thriving and modern digital government requires more than strong policy. It also depends on effective governance, investment oversight and a skilled workforce to transform strategy into real outcomes.  

As the program progressed, the focus shifted from setting strategic direction to the capabilities that enable successful implementation. Delegates shared perspectives on how governments strengthen governance, manage delivery risk and build workforce capability.  

Practical examples from Australia’s digital government experience supported these discussions, including:

• Digital and ICT Investment Oversight Framework
• Assurance Framework for Digital and ICT Investments
• APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan

These discussions demonstrated how strong governance arrangements and workforce capability can help governments deliver successful digital transformation in different contexts.

Looking ahead

“What stood out throughout the visit was the level of engagement and openness in every discussion. Our Vietnamese counterparts brought thoughtful perspectives, collaborative energy and a genuine spirit of exchange, creating valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another,” highlights Ms Poole.

“On behalf of the DTA, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our partners across the public service for all their support during the week.”

As digital government continues to mature across Southeast Asia, partnerships like these provide important opportunities to exchange practical experience, build trusted relationships and support future collaboration.