'Data and digital foundations' is one of 5 missions identified in the Data and Digital Government Strategy. It contributes to the Strategy's 2030 vision for government to deliver simple, secure and connected public services, for all people and business, through world class data and digital capabilities.

This mission calls on the Australian Public Service to build the right practices, standards and culture to maximise its valuable data assets and digital capabilities, and demonstrated in the initiatives featured in the 2024 Implementation Plan.

Coordinating the data, digital and cyber workforce

The APS is investing in the maturity and capability of its in-house data and digital talent. Such a task, however, demands a coordinated approach.

Released on 7 March 2025, the APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan (Workforce plan) brings planning for these closely-related domains together. It was developed by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) in partnership with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), Department of Finance, and the Department of Home Affairs.

'The workforce plan calls on the APS to unify and collaborate on uplifting its data, digital and cyber workforce,' explains Lucy Poole, General Manager of Strategy, Planning and Performance at the Digital Transformation Agency.

'It outlines how the service will attract, develop and retain the talent for its growing data, digital and cyber needs.'

Investing in skills, knowledge and unique opportunity

The workforce plan might be new but plenty has been well underway to uplift the APS' data and digital capability.

The APSC administers the APS Capability Reinvestment Fund, which invites departments and agencies to deliver unique capability uplift initiatives. It focuses on bespoke opportunities within the APS' wider systematic challenges.

The most recent round delivered funding to 9 cross-agency projects. Of its 5 capability priorities, 2 targeted the APS' data and digital capabilities to:

• enhance data analytic and policy integration capabilities
• build its understanding of artificial intelligence applications.

The APS benefits just as much from fostering strong collaboration between government and industry. To this end, the DTA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

'This MOU reflects the shared goals of the society and the public service - to grow our digital skills capabilities,' continues Ms Poole.

'The DTA will work with the ACS to explore diversity and inclusion initiatives for tech talent, promote the Skills Framework for the Information Age for skills classification and evaluation, and catalyse innovation and adoption of technologies that will ultimately benefit all people and business.'

Conclusion

Departments and agencies are building strong foundations for data and digital capability, manage data as the valuable national asset it is and grow the overall maturity of the APS.

For further information, read the 2024 update to the Strategy's Implementation Plan, explore the Data and digital foundations mission and find answers to common questions in the Strategy's FAQs. 

If your team is doing great work in data and digital transformation, we want to know about it! To be featured in future updates to the Implementation Plan, get in touch with the Strategy team at digitalstrategy@dta.gov.au or info@dataanddigital.gov.au. 

The Digital Transformation Agency is the Australian Government's adviser for the development, delivery, and monitoring of whole-of-government strategies, policies, and standards for digital and ICT investments, including ICT procurement.